Thumb Piano Item Number: 636/7 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Thumb piano that has a rectangular wooden board with a wooden bridge from which twelve metal sticks of varying lengths are attached. Fibre string is woven through two holes for hanging. Thumb piano has geometric incised designs. There is a metal attachment at one end with two loose metal rings. There is a modern string attached to the fibre. A hole has been made in the middle of the wooden board.
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, e.g., kilembe, likembe, kadono, akogo, timbrh, and thumb piano and has undergone variations, such as the kalimba, 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.
Item History
- Made in Angola
- Collected between 1940 and 1966
- Owned by Anne E. Copithorne before May 22, 1980
- Received from Anne E. Copithorne (Donor) on May 22, 1980
What
- Name
- Thumb Piano
- Identification Number
- 636/7
- Type of Item
- thumb piano
- Material
- wood, fibre and metal
- Overall
- height 4.0 cm, width 25.0 cm, depth 12.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Ovimbundu ?
- Previous Owner
- Anne E. Copithorne
- Received from
- Anne E. Copithorne (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Angola
When
- Collection Date
- between 1940 and 1966
- Ownership Date
- before May 22, 1980
- Acquisition Date
- on May 22, 1980
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0636/0007