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Chordophones of the harp type are very common all over Africa with differing sizes and shapes. In the same region instruments of the same category can be found characterized by construction details and shapes that vary according to the different groups and tribes they belong to. This is the case of this harp from Zaire which can take on very different shapes. Made of wood, with an elliptical soundbox, it is covered in snake skin. A curved neck is attached to the soundbox and ends with a carved human head. Under the head there are five pegs made of wood that tighten the same number of strings originally made of plant fibres or animal sinews. Harps can also be found in Zaire, depending on the area of origin, made with a rhomboid- or oval-shaped soundbox. This model has five strings.
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