Lute

2012-31-20

From: South Africa

Curatorial Section: African

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Object Number 2012-31-20
Current Location Collections Storage
Culture Shangana-Tsonga
Provenience South Africa
Section African
Materials Wood | Hide | Fiber
Description

Lute consists of a hemisphere body, a one central wood neck inserted through gourd body. Four turning rings on neck; leather loop at base holds the playing string which are attached, two on each turning ring. A total of eight (green) strings. Body is covered by hide, the two hand posts are decorated with five cowrie shells and resemble a human face. Additional (5) cowrie shells decorate top of lute. Sound hole is cut into proper left side on hide.

Height 16 cm
Length 78 cm
Outside Diameter 29.5 cm
Credit Line Gift of Margaret E. Johnston in memory of Dr. Thomas F. Johnston, 2012

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