Thumb Piano Item Number: K4.21 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Slightly triangular-shaped flat light brown wood piece. Ten metal tongues (keys), evenly-spaced in a row, placed lengthwise to the wood piece, and upraised at an angle by a metal bar. Square hole at one end with a rectangular hole on one side.
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 Africa
- Owned by Alfred Bragg before 1947
- Received from Alfred Bragg (Donor) during 1947
What
- Name
- Thumb Piano
- Identification Number
- K4.21
- Type of Item
- thumb piano
- Material
- steel metal, skin and wood
- Manufacturing Technique
- carved and forged
- Overall
- height 5.8 cm, width 11.3 cm, depth 23.2 cm
Who
- Culture
- Central African ?
- Previous Owner
- Alfred Bragg
- Received from
- Alfred Bragg (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Africa
When
- Ownership Date
- before 1947
- Acquisition Date
- during 1947
Other
- Item Classes
- metalwork
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1828/0012