The staff of this stringed instrument (Zeze) from Tanzania is surmounted by a mother and child with parted hairstyles typical of the Kwere culture in the first half of the twentieth century.
The mother is depicted holding her stomach and carrying the baby on her back. Below the figures, multiple layered carved rings decorate the top of the staff. The instrument’s cylindrical chamber is adorned with geometrical designs and rows of circle-and-dot decorations.
Estimated Period: 1940’s – 1950’s
W: 20cm
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