Saint Paul Public Schools
Multicultural Resource Center
Home > Collection > Object of the Month > November > Photo Gallery
African Mbiras and Kalimbas
A Kalimba© refined and patented in the 1960s.
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.