Mangbetu, DR Congo, late 20th century. A beautifully crafted 'Domu' harp from the Mangbetu people of north-eastern DRC. The sound box is entirely covered with carefully sewn animal skin. The pegbox is carved in the shape of a figure with all the characteristics of Mangbetu statuary: arms outstretched along the body, a face with an enigmatic expression and a corolla-shaped headdress reminiscent of the court art of this ancient kingdom. The hairpin pegs make tuning easier. The scale is pentatonic. Wood, animal skin, nylon. Beautiful dark patina. Length: 80 cm Bibliography : Mangbetu. African court art from Belgian private collections, Kredietbank, 1992.