THUMB PIANO
THE LIMBA
The limba is a type of lamellaphone (thumb piano) played by the Gogo people of Tanzania. This instrument, which is held in both hands and plucked with the thumbs and at times the forefinger, emits a full, distorted sound created by holes in the soundboard filled with egg sacs spun by spiders. Originally a small instrument with a small sound, it is often played as entertainment while taking a walk. It is also used in a special ceremony in which the ancestors could be summoned to enter the player's body. In recent years, some large-sized limbas (some exceeding 30cm wide) have been created ・these are called ilimba ("large limba") as opposed to the chilimba ("small limba"). The local people typically call the instrument by the general name marimba.
THE MBIRA
The Mbira
The mbira is a type of lamellaphone played by the Shona people of Zimbabwe. It is placed inside a resonator made from a gourd or of fiberglass and accented with crowns and shells to create a distinct buzzing sound.
THE ELECTRIC LIKEMBE
A Congolese amplified lamellaphone.