Ennanga

Culture Ganda
19th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681
Unlike the triangular European harp, the arched harp known as an ennanga consists of two elements: a soundbox and the curved neck that rises from it. Strings made of gut or plant fiber rise diagonally from the sound table. Each string touches a reptile-skin ring beneath its tuning peg, causing a buzzing sound.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Ennanga
  • Culture: Ganda
  • Date: 19th century
  • Geography: Uganda
  • Culture: Ganda people
  • Medium: Wood, vegetal fiber, snake skin, hide
  • Dimensions: Height: 29 15/16 in. (76 cm)
    Width: 8 1/4 in. (21 cm)
  • Classification: Chordophone-Harp
  • Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
  • Object Number: 89.4.926
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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