Thumb Piano

Item number K4.284 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Thumb piano constructed from a wooden plank with several metal prongs raised above the plank with a piece of wood and bent sheet metal that have been secured with a metal bar and wire. There is a ridged geometric design on the top face of the plank below the prongs, and a narrow geometric design carved into the plank above the prongs. There is one hole in the plank below the ends of the prongs, and one hole above where the prongs are attached.

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., 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.