Thumb Piano Item Number: K5.105 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Trapezoid-shaped wooden box with a hole on the top face near the widest end, and a series of 17 long metal prongs with rounded tips are elevated and secured above the box by wood and metal bars at the narrower end. Two smaller holes on the underside near the centre. The wood is stained, and five of the metal prongs are coated with red paint on the top surface. Hugh Tracey manufacturer label on bottom.
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, kilembe, likembe, kadono, akogo, timbrh, and thumb piano, and has undergone regional variations, but the general style and function remain consistent. This variation, created by Hugh Tracey in South Africa, is referred to as a kalimba.
Item History
- Made by Hugh Tracey (Maker) in Transvaal, South Africa between 1960 and 1965
- Owned by Mrs. J. M. Cowell before October 19, 1965
- Received from Mrs. J. M. Cowell (Donor) on October 19, 1965
What
- Name
- Thumb Piano
- Identification Number
- K5.105
- Type of Item
- thumb piano
- Material
- steel metal, wood, stain and paint
- Manufacturing Technique
- cut, joined, polished and forged
- Overall
- height 4.5 cm, width 13.2 cm, depth 18.3 cm
Who
- Culture
- South African
- Creator
- Hugh Tracey (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Mrs. J. M. Cowell
- Received from
- Mrs. J. M. Cowell (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Transvaal, South Africa
When
- Creation Date
- between 1960 and 1965
- Ownership Date
- before October 19, 1965
- Acquisition Date
- on October 19, 1965
Other
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 2216/0001