Eastern Angola, DRC and Zambia
Chokwe

Wood, metal, wire
Mid 20th Century
Length: 8 in; Width: 4 in; Depth: 0.5 in
Idiophone – Plucked – Lamellophone

The kisanji (kissange), a lamellophone of the Chokwe people. comes from the region straddling the borders of DR Congo from Angola and Zambia. This style of board kisanji ca kakolo ndondo (simple keyboard) was also adopted by the Lwena, and Lunda people. The kisanji kakolo ndondo is usually played solo; it accompanies the singing of the men who roam the tracks.  It is also played in the evenings at the vigils. When the instrument is played over a resonant gourd by a professional musician someone else may assist by hitting the gourd with a mukakala wand.

This kisanji has 10 metal keys in a single row, suspended over a U-shaped metal bridge.  The bottom half of the one-piece board resonator  is incised with geometric designs. Attached to the bottom is a metal rod with 5 rounded strips called ‘mayuku’ for a buzzing sound effect. With the instrument is a ball of resin possibly for the fingers when played.