Waj

Afghan (Nuristan)

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681

The waj is used by Kafirs in Nuristan, Afghanistan, for social gatherings and epic songs. Similar harps are seen in paintings in northwest India that are more than 2,000 years old. The waj may have come into Afghanistan while the region was under the influence of Buddhism between the fourth and eleventh centuries. This harp can be used to accompany epic storytelling.

Waj, Wood, hide, animal hair, nylon, cloth, Afghan (Nuristan)

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

Waj, Wood, hide, animal hair, nylon, cloth, Afghan (Nuristan)
Waj, Wood, hide, animal hair, nylon, cloth, Afghan (Nuristan)
Waj, Wood, hide, animal hair, nylon, cloth, Afghan (Nuristan)

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.