West Africa, Gabon, Fang people, ca. early 20th century CE. A fascinating musical instrument known as a ngombi harp, made from wood, goat hide, fiber, and horsehair! The soundbox is formed from a hollowed piece of wood with a tan and brown fur hide riveted to the exterior surface. A hole is drilled near the bottom for amplifying the notes when played. The soundbox tapers at the top and forms the neck of the anthropomorphic figures. The figural heads are comprised of simple faces; large lips, protruding noses, and ovoid eyes. Black horsehair is attached to the heads as part of their coiffure. A wooden arch contains pegs which secure the fibrous strings for tuning. The ngombi is a sacred musical instrument and symbolizes the voice of the creation deity of the Bwiti religious group. When plucked, these strings make a deep thrumming sound, although traditionally, only those initiated into the Bwiti who are truly devoted and pure of heart are permitted to play these harps! Size: 24.5" L x 7.25" W x 32.75" H (62.2 cm x 18.4 cm x 83.2 cm); 33" H (83.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Mobile Museum of Art, Mobile, Alabama, USA

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#162671

Missing 3 pegs and strings. Hide fur is shedding and there is fraying around rivets. Stable fissures and cracks on heads. Strings make sound but are loose and some are knotted and twisted. Overall good condition!