Two African Thumb Pianos
#152093

Two African "sanza's". The one oval shaped with 22 iron keys mounted on the wooden disc base with wire and an iron bracket; the based incised with the name of owner or maker, and a representation of a fish. Encrusted patina, two old splits. Angola, late 19th to early 20th century. The other of rectangular shape, with 8 iron keys a hollow box to amplify the sound. Also central Africa, Chokwe, encrusted patina, late 19th to early 20th century. Both continue to play the ancient rhythms of Africa. Two old and distinguished examples of a well documented musical instrument (see The Music of Africa, J.H. Nketia, New York, 1974. Like a Stradivarus these only get better with age and play.

Sanza 1:
Length: 21 cm / 8.25 in
Width: 8.25 cm / 3.25 in
Depth: 5 cm / 2 in

Sanza 2:
Length: 19 cm / 7.5 in
Width: 15 cm / 6 in
Depth: 6.5 cm / 2.5 in


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