This is a rare and beautiful old carved wooden Fang peoples harp body, which is missing the arching neck that once attached atop the head and neck finial and supported nine strings and tuning pegs. The harp or "ngombi" is one of the most sacred objects used by members of Bwiti, a 20th-century religious organization that combines local ritual practices with Western Christianity. The harp symbolizes the body and voice of Nyingwan Mbege, or "Sister of God", and communicates between the living and the dead. It is played at every Bwiti ritual by an older male initiate who is considered pure of heart and mind and who is, in effect, "married" to Nyingwam Mbege. The music gives voice to the spiritual teachings of Bwiti and the harp can be said to contain the spirits of the dead. The Harp body has a metal membrane covering the body that creates the resonance. The Harp itself measures 16 x 4.75 inches ( 18.5 inches on professional custom display stand which is included.) Provenance: Ex Private Houston Texas collection.ConditionGood, well handled

Good, well handled and worn