Item Records

This page shows all the information we have about this item. Both the institution that physically holds this item, and RRN members have contributed the knowledge on this page. You’re looking at the item record provided by the holding institution. If you scroll further down the page, you’ll see the information from RRN members, and can share your own knowledge too.

The RRN processes the information it receives from each institution to make it more readable and easier to search. If you’re doing in-depth research on this item, be sure to take a look at the Data Source tab to see the information exactly as it was provided by the institution.

These records are easy to share because each has a unique web address. You can copy and paste the location from your browser’s address bar into an email, word document, or chat message to share this item with others.

  • Data
  • Data Source

This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

A hollowed wooden block with sixteen flattened, then curved, bicycle spokes of varying lengths laid parallel to each other and crossing an inset metal plate. The spokes are held in place across their flattened ends by a metal rod, whose ends have been pounded into the wooden block. The rod is secured by four metal loops spaced across its length and pinned into the block. A small metal rod projecting from the opposite end of the instrument holds twelve small metal rings.

History Of Use

The sanza, or mbira (Shona language) is a plucked idiophone (or lamellaphone) that has been in use for thousands of years, and is played widely throughout the African continent. It is known by many different names, and has undergone variations, but the general style and function remain consistent. The instrument is more widely used by peoples of Bantu descent, often called kalimba or mbira, but it has also been adopted and used in the folk music of younger Khoisan generations, where it is known as dongu or sitengema.

Cultural Context

Musical insturment.

Item History

With an account, you can ask other users a question about this item. Request an Account

With an account, you can submit information about this item and have it visible to all users and institutions on the RRN. Request an Account

Similar Items