Mangbetu Xylophone From Congo

Extremely rare Mangbetu xylophone with two heads length 71cm for a width of 36cm for a height of 20cm I simply point out a lack of wooden nail to hold a slat otherwise good condition native restorations on cracks caused by woodworking Tribal scarifications on the heads This xylophone must have belonged to a high-ranking person, the work is careful. Fabrics cover the necks of the characters We often find in this ethnic group different harps or drums the xylophone is much rarer beautiful collector's item some shine in the patina at the ends of the slats caused by repeated handling The instrument is made up of 6 wooden slats juxtaposed and mounted on a frame overhanging a gourd which serves as a resonance box. There are also xylophones without gourds. The blades are struck with small mallets. It is most often played by two people. There are xylophones with one key all the way up to those with seventeen keys. It is a complex instrument that requires great skill in its manufacturing techniques. Also called balafon in West Africa. free shipping worldwide