Mvet

late 19th century
Not on view
The mvet player (mbom-mvet) is considered a semi professional player by the Fang people. Following apprenticeship with a master, he must pass physical, moral, and intellectual tests before initiation into the brotherhood of mbon-mvet. Much in demand for special family occasions, he plays music of a lyrical nature, accompanies song, genealogies and epic poems and may also dance and pantomime.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Mvet
  • Date: late 19th century
  • Geography: Gabon
  • Culture: Fang people
  • Medium: Gourd, bark
  • Dimensions: Height: 72 in. (182.9 cm)
  • Classification: Chordophone-Zither-plucked
  • Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
  • Object Number: 89.4.1467
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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