Home > Arts > Artists > B > William John Burchell
San or Bushman musician playing a gorah or lesiba
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
San or Bushman musician playing a gorah or lesiba
San or Bushman musician playing a gorah or lesiba, a string-wind instrument. Copied from William John Burchells Travels in the Interior of South Africa. Handcoloured copperplate engraving from Friedrich Johann Bertuchs Bilderbuch fur Kinder (Picture Book for Children), Weimar, 1823
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23154892
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Bilderbuch Burchell Bushman Cape Gora Goura Instrument Kinder Musician Sandals Travels
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Africa
> South Africa
> Related Images
> Arts
> Artists
> B
> William John Burchell
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this image from the early 19th century, a San or Bushman musician gracefully plays the gorah or lesiba, a traditional string-wind instrument native to Southern Africa. The musician, dressed in animal skins and adorned with beads, wears sandals made from animal hide. He holds the gourd-shaped gorah in one hand, skillfully plucking the strings with the other. The gourd resonator is adorned with intricate geometric patterns, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the San people. This image is taken from William John Burchell's "Travels in the Interior of South Africa," a seminal work documenting Burchell's explorations of the interior of South Africa during the early 1810s. The illustration was later reproduced in Friedrich Johann Bertuch's "Bilderbuch fur Kinder" (Picture Book for Children), published in Weimar, Germany, in 1823. The hand-coloured copperplate engraving showcases the intricate details of the musician and his instrument, offering a glimpse into the past and the unique musical traditions of the San people. The gorah or lesiba is a string-wind instrument that is still played by some San communities today. It is made from a large gourd, which is hollowed out and covered with animal skin. The strings are made from animal sinew and are attached to the gourd with bone pegs. The musician blows into a hollow reed to produce sound, creating a unique and haunting melody. This image serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and musical traditions that have been passed down through generations of the San people.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
