Thumb Piano Item Number: Ca63 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Thumb piano composed of a rectangular box with one end concavely carved and a series of metal tongues secured over a lateral bar at the other end. The tongues are held in place with strips of wood attached through holes in the wooden body, which is carved out underneath. A beveled peak ornaments the top end.
History Of Use
The tom (or sanza, or mbira in the 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, e.g., kilembe, likembe, kadono, akogo, timbrh, and thumb piano and has undergone regional variations, but the general style and function remain consistent. The instrument has been played for both secular and ceremonial use, e.g., around the fire during social evenings, or to commicate with the ancestors.
Narrative
This instrument is from the area of Ethiopia near the Sudan and Kenya borders.
Item History
- Made in Ethiopia before 1974
- Collected during 1974
- Owned by Lemma Admasu before December 27, 1979
- Received from Lemma Admasu (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source) on December 27, 1979
What
Who
- Culture
- Ethiopian
- Previous Owner
- Lemma Admasu
- Received from
- Lemma Admasu (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Ethiopia
When
- Creation Date
- before 1974
- Collection Date
- during 1974
- Ownership Date
- before December 27, 1979
- Acquisition Date
- on December 27, 1979
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 0587/0031