1910s-1920s Mbira Musical Instrument (aka Kalimba, Thumb Piano, Finger Xylophone)

This is a circa 1910s-1920s mbira, an African musical instrument that is sometimes also called a kalimba, thumb piano or finger xylophone. This mbira has a hollow wooden body (although others can be a simple plank) with eight graduated metal bars secured by a metal cylinder that produce a mellow sound.

Circa 1910s-1920s.

Approximately 7-1/4" in height 5-5/16" width and 1-7/16" thickness.

Painted wood with metal.

Maker's mark, MBIRA and hard-to-read words stamped inside.

This is from an ethnic collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VEJX07 LADEX2/11 SEJX1/12

8- (Very Fine-Excellent): The mbira shows some minor abrasions and seems to have been reglued but is functional and a beautiful reddish brown.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.