This musical instrument, not very different from simple European versions, is made of wood, calabash and hide with a carved head. It is from the Welt River region of the Congo, Africa. The length of the sound box is 287 mm.
© Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives
Accession reference: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives, Ea6363
Themes
-
Africa before Transatlantic Enslavement
The history of Africa and African people does not begin nor end with transatlantic slavery. Understand what Africa was like and what the continent lost as a result of the trade.
Background Reading
-
The Lost Libraries Of Timbuktu
Until recently, many commentators on Africa claimed that African societies had no tradition of writing. With the rediscovery of ancient manuscript collections, some dating back to the 8th century AD, this perception is changing.
-
Introduction To Various African Kingdoms