Artwork Page for Bowharp

Details / Information for Bowharp

Bowharp

by 1928

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mangbetu-style maker

Medium
Wood, rawhide, plant fiber, metal, and glass bead
Measurements
Handle: 36.9 cm (14 1/2 in.); Drum: 18.2 cm (7 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the African Art Sponsors of Karamu House 1929.344
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Although five-stringed melodic harps with anthropomorphic decorations are found among different peoples in northern Congo, the elongated skull of this work is characteristic of the Mangbetu. Such instruments commonly served to accompany songs by either male or female musicians. Cleveland artist Paul Travis acquired this work and some others during his travels in Central Africa in 1928.

Bowharp

by 1928

Africa, Central Africa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mangbetu-style maker

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

    Contact Us

    The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

    To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

    All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.