Eastern Angola, DRC and Zambia
Chokwe

Wood, metal, rattan
Pre-20th Century
Length: 7.5 in, Width: 6 in, Depth: 2.5 in
Idiophone – Plucked – Lamellophone

Oval tray-shaped kisanji (cisaji or kissange) of the Chokwe people with 22 iron keys mounted on a wooden disc base attached by wire and an iron bracket. The based is incised with the name of owner or maker on the backside and a representation of a fish. Encrusted patina with two old splits. Beautiful sound when played.  The hole in the center of the wood disc board with wires attached to each side indicates that a hollow gourd was possibly attached to the back as a resonator.

 Today, according to the regions of their origin, these instruments are known by many different names and also appear in the Caribbean, where a large version is called a marimbula. (See Latin American Idiophones in this collection for a picture).

Traditionally, the kisanji is played to attract the ancestors. Through the instrument, the cultural values of ancestors can be honored and kept alive.