Featured here is an interesting musical instrument from central Africa. It is a type of 4 stringed lyre or guitar, that is all hand made. The base appears to be a hollowed gourd, covered with leather. Actually the entire handle of this guitar is covered with leather. Around the perimeter side of the gourd are shells that seem to be sewn into leather straps that are fastened to the side of the gourd. These straps give quite a flare and uniqueness to this instrument. On the top of the instrument is hair that I was told is monkey but I would guess is goat The strings are of braided cord and are held by wooden plugs. I do not know from which tribe this originated. This instrument is 18” long and 5” wide. |