Lot 170

Congolese Wood Multi Neck String Pluriarc Instrument

Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 170
image_0 image_1
Congolese Wood Multi Neck String Pluriarc Instrument
Congolese Wood Multi Neck String Pluriarc Instrument
image_0 image_1

Congolese Wood Multi Neck String Pluriarc Instrument

Estimate: $500 - $750

Starting Bid: $200

(0 Bids)
by Artemis Fine Arts
July 14, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Central Africa, Congo region, ca. late 19th to mid-20th century CE. A carved wooden instrument known as a pluriarc, a multi-necked lute comprising a hollow box-form sound chamber with an opening at the underside. Slender wooden sticks are inserted at the back as necks to secure and tension the strings, which are made from plant reed or vine material. Pluriarcs are played by plucking the strings with the fingers, producing varied tonal registers from each neck; due to the pliable nature of the reeds, precise tuning is limited. The rectangular wood body and bundled arched necks correspond to forms documented in regions of Central Africa, where such instruments were used in courtly and communal musical traditions. Size: 31.5" L x 9" W (80 cm x 22.9 cm)

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 176662

  • Condition: Not functional. Most strings are not attached to the necks as shown. Necks sticks are loosely attached to the back of the soundbox. Abrasions, chips, and scratches throughout to the wood. Dark patina and mineral deposits.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000