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Vintage African Carved Wood Pluriarc (Bow Lute) — Congo/Central African Style
This is a pluriarc, also known as a bow lute (regional names include paata, mapu, and kissanga), a stringed instrument associated with peoples of the Congo region and Gabon. The instrument features a hollowed, single-piece carved wood resonator body with a relief-carved crocodile or lizard figure on the soundboard, bordered by incised chevron and diamond geometric patterning. A row of drilled sound/tuning holes runs along one edge. Five to six separate curved wood arms rise from the body, each historically carrying a single string down to a raised wood bridge — a design that allows each string its own independent tension rather than a shared neck. Old dry patina throughout, with visible wear, aging, and losses consistent with age and handling. Sold as an ethnographic/decorative object; playability and completeness of the stringing are not guaranteed.
We are cataloging this piece as a pluriarc/bow lute of Congo-region style based on its form and construction. We are not tribal art or musical instrument authenticators and offer no guarantee of specific ethnographic origin, age, or maker — please review all photos carefully and reach out with any questions prior to purchase.
Provenance: From a Los Angeles collection.
Condition: Age wear and losses to wood and stringing throughout, consistent with age (see photos); sold as-is, as a decorative/ethnographic object.
Shipping: Calculated shipping, buyer pays. Carefully packed.
