Thumb Piano Item Number: K4.133 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Thumb piano consisting of nine metal prongs attached to wooden base with a metal bar that has been secured with metal wire, and supported by a strip of metal sheeting. The sides of the thumb piano each have a raised wall that curves inwards, and the top and bottom ends curve outwards. There is a burnt design of triangles and lines on the bottom end, and of zig-zag lines on the side walls.
History Of Use
The 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., sanza, kalimba, 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.
Item History
- Made in Zimbabwe
- Collected between 1956 and 1965
- Owned by Marie-Claire Delahaye before November 1969
- Received from Marie-Claire Delahaye (Donor) during November 1969
What
- Name
- Thumb Piano
- Identification Number
- K4.133
- Type of Item
- thumb piano
- Material
- steel metal ?, wood and copper metal ?
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved, burned and forged
- Overall
- height 5.8 cm, width 10.0 cm, depth 17.2 cm
Who
- Culture
- Barotse
- Previous Owner
- Marie-Claire Delahaye
- Received from
- Marie-Claire Delahaye (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Zimbabwe
When
- Collection Date
- between 1956 and 1965
- Ownership Date
- before November 1969
- Acquisition Date
- during November 1969
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0158/0005