Lot 74d, Auction 4/12/2026: Congolese Wood Multi Neck String Pluriarc Instrument

$325.00

In stock

Central Africa, Congo region, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. A carved wooden instrument known as a pluriarc, a multi-necked lute comprising a hollow box-form sound chamber with an opening at the underside. Slender wooden sticks are inserted at the back as necks to secure and tension the strings, which are made from plant reed or vine material. Pluriarcs are played by plucking the strings with the fingers, producing varied tonal registers from each neck; due to the pliable nature of the reeds, precise tuning is limited. The rectangular wood body and bundled arched necks correspond to forms documented in regions of Central Africa, where such instruments were used in courtly and communal musical traditions. Size: 31.5″ L x 9″ W (80 cm x 22.9 cm)

Condition: Not functional. Most strings are not attached to the necks as shown. Necks sticks are loosely attached to the back of the soundbox. Abrasions, chips, and scratches throughout to the wood. Dark patina and mineral deposits.

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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