[Lithograph 27]
BERBERI PLAYING ON THE KISIRKA TO WOMEN OF THE SAME TRIBE. NUBIA
 A Nubian man leans against an ancient Egyptian column and plays a kisirka (lyre) for the Nubian women. The kisirka is a five-string lyre covered with a piece of sheepskin, and can be seen in Nubia, Sudan, and Ethiopia. The shape that was similar to lyres seen in ancient Greek reliefs and paintings was what piqued the interest of Europeans. “Berberī” is what the Nubians called themselves, and is etymologically connected to Arabic “barbarī (barbarian).” They have no relationship with Berbers in North Africa.
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