|
The "angled"
harps from Zaire, known as KUNDI or NEDOMU, are some of the most sought
after string instruments from Africa south of the Sahara (naturally by
European collectors). They are often genuine works of art, a cross between
a musical instrument and a sculpture.
They have a wooden soundbox, preferably (but not exclusively) in the shape
of a semi-ovoid basin, like a figure of 8, with a narrower part in the
middle. The upper part of the soundbox is completely covered with hide,
sewn along the sides. In general, they have two round acoustic holes placed
diagonally on the hide of the soundbox. The special elbow-shaped angle
of the neck is characteristic, compared to other similar harps but of
different origin. Generally there are five strings (but they may vary
between four and eight in number) made of plant fibre, fixed under the
hide directly on to the neck of the harp (which stretches out under the
hide by special wooden pegs. A human head is normally carved at the end
of the neck, in full relief, with characteristics (head-dress, ornaments,
size) that depend on the community it comes from and which allow tracing
the origin of the individual instruments. In many cases there are copper
ornaments along the neck and (more often) at the ends, at the neck of
the small head or where the neck of the instrument is attached to the
soundbox. Naturally it is possible nowadays to find only imitations (or
reproductions) of the finest and oldest models of harp (on display in
the major museums of the world). Amongst the populations best known of
those who produce this type of harp for their music are the NGBAKA,
the LENGOLA,
the ZANDE
and the MANGBETU.
Harps with small heads are also found in Gabon and the Republic of Central Africa.
|
|
|
previous
)
)
)
)
)
)