Lyre

Unknown

19th century · Human skull, wood, antelope horn, skin, gut, hair · Musical Instruments

This unusual piece was purchased at the end of the 19th century and was originally thought to have come from South America when it was cataloged in 1906. It was eventually reattributed to Central Africa, although there is no known tradition to which this instrument may be assigned. Some have suggested that it may have been made for symbolic or clandestine ritual use, but most likely it is a sensational item made by a clever indigenous entrepreneur for trade and profit with Europeans in the 19th century.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Human skull, wood, antelope horn, skin, gut, hair

Culture

Central African

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889