Sanza, Ikembe, Luba, Democratic Republic of Congo - Lot 49

Sanza, Ikembe, Luba, Democratic Republic of Congo Wood, metal, copper Dimensions: 20x 11x 4 cm Provenance: French private collection --- Sanza, Ikembé, Luba, Democratic Republic of Congo Wood, metal, copper Dimensions: 20x 11x 4 cm Provenance: French private collection This sanza belongs to the likembé or dikembè category. The sound of the lamellophone is produced by a series of seven milondo metal keys, of unequal lengths, held on a hollowed-out resonance box mushi dya dikembè (literally, "the wood of the dikembè") and secured with a mwamba crosspiece and umbingo wire. The resonance box can be fitted with accessories such as seeds, beads, pebbles or rings, adding to the instrument's sonic impact. The rhythm is characterized by a repetition of sound patterns, typical of Luba musical culture. Jos Gansemans, in his reference work on Luba musical instruments published in 1980, from which the rich information above is taken, already pointed out that the traditional practice of this instrument, once widespread in Bantu Africa, was now disappearing, and that only testimonies and writings on the subject remained. This sanza belongs to the category of likembé or dikembè. The sound of the lamellophone is produced by a series of seven metal keys, milondo, of unequal lengths, fixed onto a hollowed-out resonance box, mushi dya dikembè (literally "the wood of the dikembè"), secured by a mwamba crossbar and umbingo wire. The resonance box can house accessories such as seeds, beads, stones, or rings, which contribute to the instrument's sonic impact. The rhythm is characterized by the repetition of sound patterns, typical of Luba musical culture. Jos Gansemans, in his reference work on Luba musical instruments published in 1980, from which the above detailed information is derived, already pointed out that the traditional practice of this instrument, once widespread across Bantu Africa, was now in decline, with only written testimonies and records remaining. Some wear and missing parts. Nice shiny patina where used. --- Some wear and tear. Beautiful glossy patina in places of use.