West African stringed instrument wall hanging

This decorative wall hanging consists of a traditional West African stringed instrument, likely a plucked lute resembling a kontigi or kologo, accompanied by a matching carved wooden accessory or striker hanging alongside it. The main instrument features a circular resonator body covered in tight reddish-brown leather or hide, secured with visible stitching at the base. A long wooden neck extends upward, terminating in a carved anthropomorphic or stylized figural head painted matte black. The instrument is strung with thin synthetic or fiber strings running from a tailpiece across a small wooden bridge up to the neck. The wood elements are decorated with vibrant painted sections in black, deep red, and natural wood tones, accented with colorful woven fabric bands featuring geometric patterns in yellow, red, and green. A prominent feature of the design is the application of numerous white cowrie shells adhered to the black-painted head and the leather resonator body. The accompanying smaller piece displays a similar black-painted head with a single cowrie shell, a woven band, and a tapering natural wood handle. The overall construction appears handcrafted, utilizing organic and locally sourced materials common in traditional folk art and musical instruments from the region. There are no visible maker's marks or stamps, and the attribution is based entirely on visual style, construction methods, and material usage. The condition appears to be well-preserved with intact materials and secure elements, suggesting it may be a contemporary decorative piece or souvenir crafted in a traditional aesthetic.

Based on what I can see in the photograph, this decorative wall hanging appears to be a handcrafted West African stringed instrument, potentially styled after a traditional kontigi or kologo, adorned with leather, cowrie shells, and woven geometric bands. I cannot verify from a photo alone the exact age, precise geographic origin, or the specific materials used, as such details would need physical inspection to confirm. The attribution to traditional West African folk art remains a working hypothesis based solely on visual style and construction methods. Assuming this attribution is correct, pieces of this type typically trade in a modest market range driven by demand for ethnic decor and cultural folk art, generally commanding $150 to $300 depending on overall visual appeal and craftsmanship. However, if the item turns out to be a modern tourist souvenir or a mass-produced replica crafted strictly in the style of traditional instruments rather than a functional or traditional artifact, the value would likely decrease to the $50-$100 range. To establish a more precise evaluation and assess authenticity, an in-person examination by an expert in ethnographic art or material culture would be required, along with potential provenance research to trace its sourcing.