Luba lamellophone
Instruments in African art
Lamellophone or wooden thumb piano composed of a small resonance box accompanied by a wooden slat. The whole is surmounted by a pretty kneeling female representation on which we observe ventral scarifications.
This type of instrument is found in many ethnic groups across sub-Saharan Africa but generally devoid of any figurative element. Its name varies according to the regions: sanza, likembe, mbira, ... Unknown to Westerners, these instruments have also been called "thumb piano".
Musically speaking, the lamellophone is often played in repetitive formulas, without necessarily being monotonous.
01461
Data sheet
- Presumed dating
- Circa 1940
- Size
- 31 cm
- Ethnic group
- Material(s)
- Wood
- Country
- Origin
- Tribal art collection Belgium
- Condition
- Excellent
You might also like
Instruments in African art
Lamellophone or wooden thumb piano composed of a small resonance box accompanied by a wooden slat. The whole is surmounted by a pretty kneeling female representation on which we observe ventral scarifications.
This type of instrument is found in many ethnic groups across sub-Saharan Africa but generally devoid of any figurative element. Its name varies according to the regions: sanza, likembe, mbira, ... Unknown to Westerners, these instruments have also been called "thumb piano".
Musically speaking, the lamellophone is often played in repetitive formulas, without necessarily being monotonous.