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Thumb piano (mucapata)
Zaramo,
Tanzania
20th
century
Wood, metal
Collection of Robert and Nancy Nooter
Also known as a sansa and mbira, this type of instrument is found throughout central, western and eastern Africa and is played by both amateur and professional musicians. This example has a built-in soundbox ornamented with geometric carving.
What you’ll hear:
Mbutu musician
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo plays a thumb piano (mbira)
accompanied by bells and drums. 1970
“Mbutu, Mbira—sansa” and “Mbutu, Mbira—sansa,
bells and drums” from African Musical Instruments (catalog
#AH 8460)
Courtesy Smithsonian Folkways Recordings