Zaire

Zaire, Dekese (Kuba Kingdom) Raffia Panel with X-shaped Motif

Woven palm-leaf fiber panel embroidered with four variations on the same V-shaped motif which intersect to form a large “X.” The panel was embroidery cut to form a pile surface, resembling velvet. This panel was brought back by one of the members of H.M. Stanley's famous expedition to Central Africa in the late 1800's.

Period: Congo, Kuba, 20th Century

Media: Textile

Dimensions: Length 23.5" x Width 23.5"

$450

M4089

Zaire, Tchokwe "Lamellophone"with Metal Keys

Sanza is one of the many names used in Zaire, Africa, used to identify a type of instrument composed of a flat strip of wood, cane, or metal that vibrates when the attached metal keys are depressed and then released. The frame of this example is finely incised with geometric motifs. A simple motif is repeated on the reverse, perhaps the signature mark of the carver. This lamelophone is from the Tchokwe culture of the Bantu area of the central forest and southern savannah. The Bantu language has a duotonic quality, a characteristic that is exemplified in their music by a subtle polyphony and pitch. A very similar example is illustrated in Polfliet, Leo, "Bodies of Resonance: Musical Instruments of Zaire," Munich, 1985, p40.

Period: Congo, Bantu, Central Savannah, Early 20th Century

Media: Wood

Dimensions: Height: 10 1/2" x Width: 5 3/4"; Keys range from 4 3/4" to 5" in length

$2,800

92175