Thumb piano
First originating from the Shona people of Zimbabwe, this type of musical instrument is now widely played throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, often at religious ceremonies, weddings and other social gatherings.
The mbira is played by plucking the metal strips downwards like piano keys. On this particular example, the metal chain is added to create a buzzing or rattling sound. This is considered a ‘good’ sound in African music, allowing musicians and listeners alike to clear their mind of worries and allow the music to fill their consciousness.
The mbira is played by plucking the metal strips downwards like piano keys. On this particular example, the metal chain is added to create a buzzing or rattling sound. This is considered a ‘good’ sound in African music, allowing musicians and listeners alike to clear their mind of worries and allow the music to fill their consciousness.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- 79/1937
- Collection Class
- Musical instruments
- Collection Area Region
- W
- Material
- woodmetalmetalmetaliron
- Common Name
- thumb piano
- Simple Name
- thumb piano
- Production County
- Southern
- Production Country
- Nigeria
- Production Year High
- 1937
