kita

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KitA

An elongated, deep bowl with longitudinal walls that merge with the base in a curve. Eight diagonally drilled string guide perforations. The string cord [is] only partially preserved (since replaced). One of its ends is looped into a knot behind an outer perforation, into which strips of fabric and cotton wool are tied, while the other [is] wrapped around a stem extension carved lengthways. A leather loop attached to the bottom of the bowl. Three small cord loops carrying iron spirals are suspended in this loop. A linear and punctual red colouring of the inner shell base. A large, fully carved female figure is attached to the stem. One leg [is] broken off, the other movable. Dressed in a cloth apron and adorned with red pearl necklaces. Metal rings [can be seen] on the right ankle and forearm. A cord-like hair insert on the head. "Massansa in Ussukuma"]. However, [one] diagonally branded string guide perforations. Eight strings. The end of the string, wrapped around the handle extension, is first passed through a handle perforation and then tied to the tension between the bowl and the handle. No loop connection at the bottom of the bowl. On the outside of the shell there is a large area of branding. The carved figure's hair, ears and neck adorned with multi-coloured bead necklaces. Burnt-out fine reliefs on the hands and feet. from Ulrich Wegner: Afrikanische Saiteninstrumente, Staatliche Museen Berlin - SPK, 1984 (Appendix object catalogue)

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Cataloguing data

Object type
musical instruments
Dimensions
Length: 86 cm
Width: 15 cm
Height: 8,7 cm
Material/Technique
Wood, Plant fibre , Glass
Current location
Ethnologisches Museum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin
Inventory number
III E 5619
Related object(s)

Provenance and sources

  • Production
    where
    Tanzania
    Usukuma (Ussukuma, Usukkuma)
    Lake Victoria (Viktoria-Njansa)
  • Assignment to a curated holding:
    Africa

Information about the record

Legal status metadata
CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED
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