Waj

Unknown

mid-20th century · Wood, hide, animal hair, nylon, cloth · Musical Instruments

The waj is used by Kafirs in Nuristan, Afghanistan, for social gatherings and epic songs. Similar harps are seen in paintings in northwest India that are more than 2,000 years old. The waj may have come into Afghanistan while the region was under the influence of Buddhism between the fourth and eleventh centuries. This harp can be used to accompany epic storytelling.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-20th century

Medium

Wood, hide, animal hair, nylon, cloth

Culture

Afghan (Nuristan)

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Gift of Mark and Greta Slobin, 2015