Cleveland Museum of Art · by 1928
Lyre (ndongo, endongo, entongoli, or kissar)
Lyres are common instruments across eastern Africa. The many names–– endongo , ndongo , kissar , or entongoli— reflect how many different groups use this Ugandan type. This example is made from a wooden bowl-shaped sound box covered in the skin of a reptile, possibly a monitor lizard. The strings lead up to a crossbar once decorated with goat hair tassels at each end and sometimes cowrie shells.
Imagine the buzzing, resonant sound that this string instrument would make.
| Date | by 1928 |
|---|---|
| Culture / origin | Africa, East Africa, Uganda, Ganda or Soga style, unknown maker |
| Materials | Wood, reptile skin, pelt, cloth, and natural fiber |
| Dimensions | Diameter: 31.8 cm (12 1/2 in.); Overall: 43.2 cm (17 in.) |
| Credit | Gift of the African Art Sponsors of Karamu House |
