Burkina Faso
Burkinabes

Calabah, metal, wood 
Late 20th Century
Diameter: 9 inches; Depth: 4.5 inches
Idiophone – Plucked – Lamellophone

This Burkina Faso kalimba is made from a gourd which acts as a sound chamber with metal tines (keys/tongs) which are played with the thumbs. The wooden top insert has three built-up ledges (shape of E) to support the rods. This carved insert seals the chamber and is designed to look like a mask face.  

The kalimba is an instrument of the lamellophone classification and is the name most often used in Western countries to refer to a thumb piano, more commonly known as sanza in Africa.  This type of instrument originally came from Central and Southern Africa, where it is still widespread.  The kalimba seen here comes from Burkina Faso and appears to be made for the tourist market.