East Africa, Zaramo culture, 20th c. This is an example of a traditional lute form found throughout East and West Africa. The Bambara name for such an instrument is a ngoni. It is the African ancestor of the banjo. As you can see in this example, the body is hollowed out into a canoe-like shape. Usually dried animal skin would be stretched over it like a drum. The neck is a fretless piece of doweling that is inserted into the body. Strings are typically made of thin fishing line; the string closest to the player produces the highest pitch, and the player plucks it with his thumb, just like a 5-string banjo. This example features a figural carving on the upper end of the neck adding to its cultural and aesthetic value. One can find instruments created with this general construction from Morocco to Nigeria. There is a wide range of sizes and they may utilize anywhere from four to seven strings. ~ 24" L

Provenance: Ex-Leonard Kalina Fine Arts, Los Angeles, CA

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No strings or animal skin, but a beautiful, finely carved form that with a bit of work could be a serviceable instrument. Excellent condition.