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Lamellaphone

Lamellaphone with seven cane lamellae, which are laced to the sounding board between two wooden bridges. The lamellae are tapered at the ends and of differing lengths. The flat wooden soundboard has a forked handle. A strap made from plaited strands of dried vegetable fibre is attached to the top of the soundboard. A piece of paper inscribed with words in Arabic from the Surah Alfatihah of the Qur'an: 'the All-merciful', repeated seven times, is adhered to the soundboard. An inscription on the back of the instrument reads: 'Mandingo W. Africa'. Acquired with Horniman Museum number 2718.

  • Measurements:overall: 360 mm x 190 mm