Makonde/Mwera-Style Kalimba

This Makonde/Mwera type of lamellophone is similar to one in Berlin’s Ethnologisches Museum, object #III C 37118. Typical of this rare form from the Ruvuma regions of Mozambique and Tanzania, it has short and relatively fat iron tines embedded directly and unchangeably into the instrument near the top of the soundbox. The tuning is therefore fixed and no bridge is necessary — both atypical features for an East African kalimba. Like most Makonde/Mwera lamellophones, when viewed in profile, the instrument has a gently curved soundbox with its crown kinked abruptly forward at 45 degrees. Overall, the instrument is fashioned from a single block of wood. Unlike most box-form lamellophones, which have their soundbox carved out from the side, here the hollowing occurred from behind. To seal the space, the maker fit a flag of similar lumber over it, nailing it in place around the perimeter. Six resonator holes, symmetrically laid out, pierce the instrument’s face. Some Arabic lettering, part of which was apparently later scratched out, is engraved in the instrument’s crown. The instrument has a lovely tone when plucked and a soft feel in the hands from having been played for decades begining perhaps a century a more ago. For collectors of thumb pianos, this old but remarkably pristine specimen presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the rarer varieties lamellophones on the continent. See also guyvanrijn.com objects 0141849-001 and 0141608-001. This is a playable instrument. $775

10″

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