Tanzania
Nyamwezi

Wood, metal
Mid-Late 20th Century
Height: 9.5 in, Width: 7 in, Depth: 1.75 in
Idiophone – Lamellophones – Plucked

This traditional African handmade instrument is a ‘ilimba,’ possibly made by the Nyamwezi people in Tanzania, East Africa.  The wooden box resonator shows Islam burnt symbols on the front. The ilimba is held with both hands, and the recycled metal tongues are fitted with tin can buzzers/strips that when plucked, create an unmistakable African buzzing sound.  Many Nyamwezi converted to Sunni Islam during the 19th century and Islam even influenced the fashion of those that didn’t convert. During the same century, other Nyamwezi converted to Protestant Christianity via the work of the Moravian Church established in the region. Even with conversion, both the Christian and especially the Muslim Nyamwezi retained much of their traditional customs and beliefs. For the Nyamwezi, music and dance are an important part of their cultural heritage, as both play an important part in wedding festivities and other ceremonies.