Five-string lyre, dita type – Bashada attribution – Ethiopia – wood and leather Details Origin: Ethiopia People / Region: Bashada attribution, southern Ethiopia Type: Five-string lyre, dita type Material(s): Wood, leather, fibre, strings Dimensions: approx. 55 cm high; 35 cm wide at the top Period: mid-20th century Provenance: Collected in situ by the present owner Stand: None Description A rare Ethiopian five-string lyre, attributed to the Bashada or wider southern Ethiopian cultural area. This instrument belongs to the family of Ethiopian lyres, and is close to the type known as dita, a five-string plucked instrument documented in southern Ethiopia. Unlike a pluriarc, whose strings are each carried by separate bows, this example is built as a lyre, with two lateral arms rising from the resonator and joined by an upper crossbar. The instrument is especially appealing for its complete state of preservation and its strong old patina. The wooden resonator has a conical, hollowed form covered with dark patinated leather. A small sound hole appears at the end of the resonating body, while the surface bears a very discreet circular decoration. The upper structure is formed by two dark wooden arms and a horizontal crossbar. Five strings are preserved, running from the lower resonator to the upper section. The construction is both simple and highly graphic, creating a powerful vertical silhouette. The whole object shows a deep, dark usage patina, with rubbed reddish-brown areas on the wood and a beautifully aged leather surface. The fibre elements and strings add to the authenticity and ethnographic presence of the piece. A very attractive and uncommon southern Ethiopian lyre, appreciated for its complete integrity, five preserved strings, dark old patina, conical resonator and strong sculptural presence. Condition Good condition overall for an object of this type, with wear, abrasions, small marks, cracks, surface irregularities and oxidation of the organic materials consistent with age and use. Five strings preserved. Wood, leather and fibre elements with deep old usage patina. Structurally complete. Please refer to the photographs. Included The instrument only. No stand included.