Thumb Piano Item Number: K2.60 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Large gourd bowl with thick edges and a piece of wood inserted on top of which there are two holes. In the center are "piano strings" consisting of eight strips of metal.
History Of Use
The thumb piano (commonly called sanza or mbira) 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, 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
Collected by Roy Dunlop.
Item History
- Made in Nigeria
- Collected during 1964
- Owned by Roy G. Dunlop before 1964
- Received from Roy G. Dunlop (Donor) during 1964
What
- Name
- Thumb Piano
- Identification Number
- K2.60
- Type of Item
- thumb piano
- Material
- gourd fruit, steel metal, copper metal and wood
- Manufacturing Technique
- hollowed, cut and tied
- Overall
- height 10.1 cm, diameter 26.3 cm
Who
- Culture
- Hausa
- Previous Owner
- Roy G. Dunlop
- Received from
- Roy G. Dunlop (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Nigeria
When
- Collection Date
- during 1964
- Ownership Date
- before 1964
- Acquisition Date
- during 1964
Other
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 98
- Accession Number
- 0114/0005