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Thumb Piano

Kenya Kalimba (Thumb Piano) (#1)

Kenya
Uganda Region

Wood and Metal
Early 20th century


Idiophone - Plucked - Lamellophone

This thumb piano (lamellophone) is called a "kalimba" in Kenya (East Africa). It has 9 metal tongues with small metal rattle rings slipped onto the keys to achieve an extra buzzing sound when played. There are burnt geometric designs on the rectangular resonator box, with a vibrato hole on the bottom.

 

Owner:
Catalog#: AF-IDPL-12-36