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Musical bow (ugubhu?)
Possibly Zulu people
19th century
Object Place: Transvaal region, Southern Africa
Medium/Technique
Wood, gourd
Dimensions
Height 18.3 cm, diameter 12.3 cm (Height 7 3/16 in., diameter 4 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Leslie Lindsey Mason Collection
Accession Number17.1699
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsMusical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Chordophones
DescriptionArched branch of wood strung with brass wire (diameter 0.76 mm), secured at one end (presumably upper) in a V notch, and at the other (presumably lower) in a circular groove. Double-chambered gourd resonator tied to stave with thick twine, the twine attached to the gourd by a loop around a short wooden stick. Small curved friction bow (length 112 mm) with cow tail-hair (?) previously tied to stave with cotton cord, and previously associated with this instrument, has been removed. In ink on bow stave: Gubo / Transvaal.
ProvenanceFrancis W. Galpin (1858-1945), Hatfield Regis, England; 1916, sold by Francis W. Galpin to William Lindsey (1858-1922), Boston, Massachusetts; 1916, gift of William Lindsey, in memory of his daughter, Leslie Lindsey Mason, to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 5, 1916)