| African Mbiras and Kalimbas  A Kalimba© refined and patented in the 1960s. The Multicultural Resource Center has several mbiras in its collection. Two examples from a private collection are included to show the variety of Mbira forms and construction. Click on the images  This large Mbira measures approximately 32 cm. ( 12.5 in.) long. It has wooden keys or "tongues." to make them larger.
 This Mbira has painted metal keys. It is approximately 19 cm. (7.25 in.) long.  A Mbira made from an imported Italian Tomato Paste can. A shaped wooden block fills the can and serves as the sound box. Private collection.  A large Mbira with carved human heads. Private collection.  A top view of the previous Mbira. Private collection. |