Fang, Gabon
Circa 1900
Wood, hide
Height 26 1/4"
Provenance: Alan Mann, London; London trade
The body of this harp is a tall rectangular form entirely wrapped in hide, now aged to a dry tan surface with several open holes worn through the skin over time. The neck rises from the body and is also wrapped in hide secured with cord at the junction, with the wood visible at the perforations near the top. Surmounting the neck is a carved wood head with a simplified oval face, small incised features, and traces of a dark reddish pigment remaining on the wood.
This type of harp was used by the Fang for musical performance as well as in ceremonial contexts, with the figural head understood as an animating presence on the instrument. The piece came from the collection of Alan Mann of London, a noted collector of African art. The hide wrapping and figure head are intact and the instrument retains its original structural form.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
Fang, Gabon
Circa 1900
Wood, hide
Height 26 1/4"
Provenance: Alan Mann, London; London trade
The body of this harp is a tall rectangular form entirely wrapped in hide, now aged to a dry tan surface with several open holes worn through the skin over time. The neck rises from the body and is also wrapped in hide secured with cord at the junction, with the wood visible at the perforations near the top. Surmounting the neck is a carved wood head with a simplified oval face, small incised features, and traces of a dark reddish pigment remaining on the wood.
This type of harp was used by the Fang for musical performance as well as in ceremonial contexts, with the figural head understood as an animating presence on the instrument. The piece came from the collection of Alan Mann of London, a noted collector of African art. The hide wrapping and figure head are intact and the instrument retains its original structural form.
We ship free anywhere in the world, fully insured, packed by hand.
