â–¡ A SANTAL OR MUNDA LUTE (HUKA BANAM), EASTERN INDIA, PROBABLY JHARKHAND, CIRCA 19TH CENTURY

wood and hide, in the form of a human figure, the hide resonators on either side of the torso, the head and neck with painted details, a tuning peg attached to the feet 57cm high approx.

The Munda people live in the same regions as the Santal, as well as Tripura and Bangladesh, and speak their own distinct language Mundari. The Huka Banam is similar to the Dhodro Banam, but the parts are reversed, with the resonator higher up, here in the figure's torso and the tuning peg down across the feet. It is interesting to note that the figure is depicted with a wooden leg, perhaps reflecting the case of the maker or original musician; as noted above, these instruments were viewed as organic and an extension of the physical being. For related examples in the Bengt Fosshag Collection, see 'Rabab Sarangi Sarinda & Verwandte', nos.16-20. See also footnote to lot 365.