Mbira

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The Mbira, found in many parts of Africa, is a lamellaphone : an instrument whose sound is produced by the vibration of thin tongues, or lamellas. When plucked, each lamella produces a mellow, twanging sound. The mbira is used in many contexts : for solos, vocal accompaniments, small groups, and religious ceremonies.

Family
Percussions
Pitch range
Varies according to the number of tongues.
Material
Metal tongues on a wooden board.
Size
About 9 in (23 cm) long.
Origins
Plucked lamellaphones are found in many forms and with a variety of names in many parts of Africa.
Classification
Idiophone: an instrument that produces its sound through the use of the material from which it is made, without needing strings or a stretched skin.
And also...
In Africa, mbiras have the same purpose as xylophones, but because they are portable they are also played on long journeys.

picture of Mbira

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