A Tsogho harp ngombi

A Tsogho harp ngombi
Gabon
with a carved head finial having an oval channelled coiffure with pigment and wire earring loops, the main body with a skin decorated with pigment and the arm with eight strings and pegs,
74.5cm long.

Provenance
Dr Leonhard Adam (1891 - 1960) Anthropologist and lawyer, with label inscribed leihgabe Adam A1. Acquired from Mrs Konietzko, Hamburg in March 1957.

Exhibited
Seminar fuer Voelkerkunde, University of Bonn, 1962.

Harp music is perceived to be the female voice of pity and comfort and keeps evil spirits at bay so that people can communicate with their ancestors.