Thumb Piano

Item number K4.52 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Instrument with seven metal prongs attached at an angle on a concavely curved wooden closed sound box; carved with "Nindakule". A slightly curving row of four holes near the middle and three more holes in a triangular formation at the end opposite the metal tongues (keys). A row of three holes at the end near the triangular formation with three curved points at the other end near the metal prongs. On the wood, there is a metal loop at either sides of the metal prongs.

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.