Kalimba

Date1920's

Historical location nameKatanga, Zaire

Location where collectedCongo

MediumMixed media

ClassificationsSound Devices

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Ray L. Smalley

Object number1931.7.6

DescriptionBox made of soft, light-colored wood. Has one small, round hole in the back one smaller hole at the top end as if for hanging and a rectangular hole in the bottom end. The top face of the instrument has 8 narrow metal strips attached to it in such a way that they will vibrate (ring) when plucked with the thumbnail. Four of the metal strips have thin pieces of metal wrapped around them and these also vibrate when the instrument is played. The Kalimba (a Bantu word meaning "Little instrument") is held with both hands and played with the thumbs while walking. It is a very popular instrument played throughout Africa in all types of ceremonies and festivities. The number of metal tongues varies considerably (5-29) and can be adjusted for tuning, usually to a pentatonic scale.

On View

Not on view

Collections