A Senufo Harp or Lute, korikaarive...

Description

A Senufo Harp or Lute, korikaarive
Mali/Cote d'Ivoire, 20th century

This stringed harp-lute known as korikaariye features a central stylized anthropomorphic floating figure that rises out near the center of a calabash resonator, which is covered with cowhide. The figure functions as the bridge from which the strings span the long, slightly curving neck, joining the two essential components of the instrument. The anthropomorphic string-holder takes the form of a delicately carved woman's head and torso punctuated by holes meant to hold the strings. Two wood rods through the cowhide could be flicked by the player for percussion. This harp might have been a central component to divination rituals, invariably launched with a short musical invocation. In addition to the music it performs, its visual appeal is integral to its role. In good condition, some desiccation of the calabash surface on one side, the long neck split halfway, the wood female figure's highpoints rubbed from use. With a custom metal stand.

Length: 44 inches

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