Thumb Piano or Sansa with Calabash Resonator

Lamellophones are plucked musical instruments once common across much of Africa. Locally known by various indigenous names, they are more commonly known in the West as thumb pianos or sansas. This beautiful example comes from the southern region of central Africa, most likely Zambia. There, the instrument itself is often dustpan-shaped, modest in size and played over an independent calabash or, more recently, recycled tin can. The history of these instruments was not well documented beyond some mid-twentieth century notes and recordings by British ethnomusicologist Hugh Tracey. Undoubtedly, many forms, means of decoration and musical traditions went unnoted and have thus disappeared. When the making of traditional instruments, their use and their music is no longer passed down between generations, the practice eventually withers and is forgotten.

The decoration around the rim of this gourd is unusual. Further research may help refine the geographic and cultural origin of this sweet-sounding instrument. $600

5″ H

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