South Africa 
Artisan

Wood, metal
Early 20th Century
Length: 10 inches x Width: 6 inches (bottom) x Depth: 2 inches
Idiophone – Plucked – Lamellophone

This lamellophone (thumb piano) has two separated groups of five (5) metal tongues (keys) in one row, with small metal rattle rings slipped onto each key to achieve an extra buzzing sound when played.  The ten (10) tongues (keys) are held in place by strong reeds.  The fan-shaped hollow wood resonator box flares to the end.  The  museum deaccession report states it was collected by Quaker missionaries between 1900-1920 – Museum Property.

These small versions of 8 to 14 or more tongues, are played with the thumbs. The larger type (karimba) are emblematic of the Shonas cultures, with 14 to 25 tongues and are held inside a large calabash and played with the thumbs and index fingers. 
Lamellophone instruments have several names depending on the geographical area where it is used:  likembe, kisanji, sanza or senza in Cameroon and Congo, mbira in Zimbabwe and Malawi, lukeme, karimba in Uganda….