Advanced Search
Advanced Search

Musical bow (setolotolo)

Probably Sotho people
19th century
Object Place: Lesotho

Medium/Technique Wood, plant fiber
Dimensions Length 86 cm (33 7/8 in.)
Credit Line Leslie Lindsey Mason Collection
Accession Number17.2181
NOT ON VIEW

DescriptionThree-piece construction comprised of cylindrical center section of wood (length 520 mm) with hole in each end for insertion of smaller, slightly arched pieces of wood (lengths 200 and 228 mm). Strung with copper wire, bound to middle of center section and tied to end sections with gut (?). One end of center section bound with several wrappings of twined plant fiber with loop for hanging. In ink on main section: Tolo tolo / Basutoland
ProvenanceFrancis W. Galpin (1858-1945), Hatfield Regis, England; 1916, sold by Francis W. Galpin to William Lindsey (1858-1922), Boston, Massachusetts; 1916, gift of William Lindsey, in memory of his daughter, Leslie Lindsey Mason, to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 5, 1916)