Tanzania
Tanzanian

Wood, metal
Mid-Late 20th Century
Height: 11 in, Width: 9 in, Depth: 1.75 in
Idiophone – Lamellophones – Plucked

This traditional African handmade instrument called ‘ilimba,’ comes from Tanzania in east Africa.  The wooden box resonator shows burnt geometric designs on the front and top. The ilimba is held with both hands, and the twenty-two (22) metal tongues (keys) are fitted with tin can buzzers/strips that when plucked, create an unmistakable African buzzing sound.  The performer uses their  thumbs to flex and release the acoustically active ends of the lamellae, which are arranged in a V-shape.  The the two short center keys serve for tuning and are not played.