Musical Instrument

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Culture Lumbo

Culture Punu

Title Musical Instrument

Date 19th–early 20th century

Medium Wood, fiber, and and pigment

Dimensions Object: 26 1/4 × 4 3/4 × 4 1/2 in. (66.7 × 12.1 × 11.4 cm)
Overall (includes mount): 27 × 4 3/4 × 7 1/2 in. (68.6 × 12.1 × 19.1 cm)

Credit Line Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University

Accession Number 77.34.3

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About this Work

Unlike many African musical instruments, which often are relatively rough, this example from Gabon epitomizes refinement, with a grace and delicacy that is unsurpassed in its genre. The body of the lute-like instrument is smooth, showing no traces of the carving tool, as are the willowy sticks to which the strings are attached. Even more exquisite is the carved head, which is carved in the same style as masks from the area. Often called a harp, this instrument is actually a pluriarc, or bow lute. Unique to Africa, the pluriarc is distinguished by the presence of multiple necks attached to a single body.

Provenance
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Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

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"Musical Instrument | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=77.34.3