Pair of Hardwood Sumbanese Lutes with Anthropomorphic Figures (circa Early 20th Century)

Pair of hardwood lutes from Sumba Island, Indonesia, with anthropomorphic figures (circa early 20th C) on modern metal stands. Music played on these instruments is closely tied to ritual and ceremony. Unusually, this instrument overlaps in the same domain of slit drums and gongs, transferring those rhythms to its four strings. The decorative figures at the ends of the instrument have their origins in their culture and traditional religion which includes both ancestral worship and deity worship. In good vintage condition commensurate with age and use. Upon request, a short video clip of these pieces may be provided. 

Dimensions of Large Instrument (without stand):

H 58 cm (22.8")

W 13 cm (5.1")

D 4 cm (1.6")

Dimensions of Smaller Instrument (without stand):

H 53.5 cm (21.1")

W 12.5 cm (4.9")

D 5 cm (2")