Lyre

Egyptian Krar

Sudan
Sudan

Wood, Goat Skin, Braided Fiber String
ca. Mid-20th century

Length: 29 inches x Widith 22 inches (cross bar)
Chordophone - Lyre - Plucked

This is a 5 string lyre from Sudan, Africa where it is the most commonly used string instrument. Estimated to be about 40-45 years old, it is 29 inches long, 22 inches at the wide round sound box (resonator), and about 6 inches deep. Materials used in its construction are wood, animal hide skin (goat), sinew, and textile. The sound is magnificent (I used it in the 1970's teaching summer music classes). Within the Sudan, this instrument has various names, for example it is called tanbur by the Nubians in the north,  brimbiri by the Nuba of the west, and bangia by the Berta in the southeast. In the Sudan the lyre is used in healing rituals as well as for entertainment. In the southeast the bangia is combined with gourd trumpets for a ritual dance for treating individuals possessed by spirits. Although common in Sudan, it is rarely seen outside of that region except in museums.

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-CHLR-7-72

© Hartenberger World Music Collection