Zeze

Unknown

late 19th century · Wood, gourd, bone, porcupine quill, fiber · Musical Instruments

African bar zithers probably appeared in Madagascar, having originated in Southeast Asia during the first millennium a.d. They were further distributed throughout East and Central Africa via trade routes during the nineteenth century. Playing positions vary regionally, and the instrument commonly accompanies song and dance.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th century

Medium

Wood, gourd, bone, porcupine quill, fiber

Culture

Mombasa

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889