Thumb Piano

Kenya Kalimba (Thumb Piano) (#3)

Kenya
Kenya

Wood and Metal
ca. Mid-20th century

Idiophone - Plucked - Lamellophone

This thumb piano (lamellophone) is called a "kalimba" in Kenya (East Africa). It has 10 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-14-36

© Hartenberger World Music Collection