(Ref L58)

PLEASE SEE MY OTHER Pacific & Oceania & AFRICAN TRIBAL ITEMS ALSO LISTED. 
DISCOUNTED POSTAGE FOR MULTIPLE PURCHASES.

My husband and I have been selling antiques for the last 35 years but have closed our shop and are clearing the remaining stock and parts of our personal collection. Please save us as favourites to keep an eye on new items to be offered.

This is an old, thumb piano, or mbira – a name derived from Shona language of Zimbabwe - a uniquely African percussion instrument.
Also known as a Lamellophone or Sanza.
Mbira was used in ceremonial functions such as weddings, funerals, and in honour of significant people, as well as for religious purposes, to call on spirits and seek their advice. When calling on spiritual ancestors, the tribe would perform a religious ceremony which involved continuous singing, dancing, and playing music until the spirits appeared. The ritual would temporarily stop in the presence of the spirit and begin again once it departed. Thus, it was necessary for the mbira to produce a sound that would 'project into the heavens' and attract the spirits to earth.
According to the Australian Museum website.
Break to one key - not sure if any are missing - so best suited for display? Nice old, patination and colour indicating years of use.

Measures approx.26 cm long x 14 max wide x 3 cm high.
Weighs 350 grams before packing.

**The detailed photos provided reflect the condition well and form an important part of the description. Please hover to magnify. I am happy to send more photos if needed.

AUSTRALIAN BUYERS: I accept Paypal, but prefer Direct Deposit or Money orders.
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS - PAYPAL only accepted .
PLEASE NOTE:
POSTAGE QUOTED IS FOR TRACKED airmail parcel.

  • Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the item price or shipping charges. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

  • Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding/buying.


My husband and I have been selling antiques for the last 35 years but have closed our shop and are clearing the remaining stock and parts of our personal collection. We do not claim to be experts in all fields of collecting, so take a good look at the photographs provided and PLEASE EMAIL ALL QUESTIONS you may have PRIOR TO BIDDING

I am selling vintage and ANTIQUE items and therefore the items will reflect a certain amount of age and wear. They will not look brand new. Please email for more details if needed.

If an item differs significantly from the description or photos provided contact me within 7 days of receiving the piece and I will refund the full value paid for that item as long as it is returned in the same condition as it was sent.

I pack well but recommend buyer take out insurance for valuable items. 
Packaging often includes recycled materials in order to keep postage costs down and do the right thing! If this is not suitable for you, email me and I will calculate the extra costs involved for new packaging. Thanks for your understanding!