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ID #SA1227922
FOR SALE
£195
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A Rare and Interesting Mbira Which Is a Percussion Instrument
For sale by Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques
for sale €228     $248
£195
Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jun 2019
Browse dealers 273 items
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Id #SA1227922
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A Rare and Interesting Mbira Which Is a Percussion Instrument

1900 - 1920
Description

A rare and interesting Mbira which is a percussion instrument featuring turned metal keys mounted on a wooden sound board originating 1,300 years ago ln the Zambezi river valley where it holds profound and cultural significance in the Shona community of Zimbabwe it is used to connect with ancestors and played to accompany story telling in spiritual ceremonies

Physical Dimensions
Height
13.5cm (5.31")
Width
9.5cm (3.74")
Depth
2cm (0.79")
Declaration

Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques has dated this Traditional African Wooden Mbira to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1227922
Dealers Notes

You are most welcome to call or email us with your enquiry.

Please call 07956 448876 (0044 7956 448876 if you are outside the UK) or email us to

Description
A rare and interesting Mbira which is a percussion instrument featuring turned metal keys mounted on a wooden sound board originating 1,300 years ago ln the Zambezi river valley where it holds profound and cultural significance in the Shona community of Zimbabwe it is used to connect with ancestors and played to accompany story telling in spiritual ceremonies
Height
13.5cm (5.31")
Width
9.5cm (3.74")
Depth
2cm (0.79")
Date of Manufacture

Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques has dated this Traditional African Wooden Mbira to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1227922
Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques
Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jun 2019

Oriental art,fine period ivories bronzes,ceramics unusual silver objects and tribal art.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques Profile Page

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A rectangular wooden African mbira thumb piano with seven hand-forged metal tines set over a burnt decorated wood soundboard.
1 / 5
Archive I A rectangular wooden African mbira thumb piano with seven hand-forged metal tines set over a burnt decorated wood soundboard.

A Rare and Interesting Mbira Which Is a Percussion Instrument

Archive II A rectangular wooden African mbira thumb piano with seven hand-forged metal tines set over a burnt decorated wood soundboard. View II
Archive III A rectangular wooden African mbira thumb piano with seven hand-forged metal tines set over a burnt decorated wood soundboard. View III
Archive IV A rectangular wooden African mbira thumb piano with seven hand-forged metal tines set over a burnt decorated wood soundboard. View IV
Archive V A rectangular wooden African mbira thumb piano with seven hand-forged metal tines set over a burnt decorated wood soundboard. View V
Enlarged Archival View
Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques

Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques
Telephone 07956 448876
Location
London
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/gerardrobinsonfineartanda
Verified Since Jun 2019
Items For Sale 273
Items Sold 300
Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques
Gerard Robinson Fine Art and Antiques
Verified Since Jun 2019
View Dealer Info
Location: London, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/gerardrobinsonfineartanda
Verified
Jun 2019
For Sale
273
Sold
300
A rectangular wooden African mbira thumb piano with seven hand-forged metal tines set over a burnt decorated wood soundboard.
A rare and interesting Mbira which is a percussion instrument
Ref: SA1227922
A rectangular wooden African mbira thumb piano with seven hand-forged metal tines set over a burnt decorated wood soundboard.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectPercussion Instruments
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleTraditional African
  • MaterialWood, Iron, Metal
  • ColourWarm Wood Brown
  • MotifsHand-forged metal tines, Burnt wood linear decoration, Horizontal metal bridge bar, Carved timber soundboard
  • SizeH 13.5 cm (5 in) x W 9.5 cm (4 in) x D 2 cm (1 in)

This traditional African mbira percussion instrument originates from the 1920 period and belongs to the Glastonbury boho style, serving as a tactile piece for a bookshelf. The body consists of warm wood brown timber with burnt wood linear decoration etched into the surface, creating visible striations across the soundboard. Seven hand-forged metal tines project downwards from a horizontal metal bridge bar and a secondary metal support bar running across the top portion of the soundboard. Each tine features an elongated, flattened spade-shaped tip showing a rough, textured metallic finish and minor surface patination. The rectangular wooden base exhibits rounded edges and subtle surface grain variations resulting from manual shaping and finishing processes.Measuring 13.5 cm high, 9.5 cm wide, and 2 cm deep, the instrument sits compactly on flat surfaces. Display this item on a bookshelf or within a cabinet as a decorative sculptural object that introduces traditional African craftsmanship and textured metal and timber elements into a contemporary interior space.

FAQs

An mbira is a traditional African lamellophone percussion instrument consisting of a wooden soundboard fitted with staggered metal keys or tines. Plucked using the thumbs and fingers, it produces resonant musical tones and historically forms an essential part of ceremonial music.

Authentic mbiras are constructed from a hardwood soundboard with hand-hammered iron or steel tines. The metal tines are secured across a bridge using wire or metal bars, frequently accompanied by decorative carved or burnt linear patterns on the wood.

Authentic pieces feature hand-forged metal tines with slight variations in texture and shape rather than modern machine-cut tines. Signs of genuine use include natural patination on the wood where hands were positioned during play and traditional wire binding.

An mbira functions as a tactile decorative object when displayed on a bookshelf, coffee table, or integrated into a wall-mounted collection. Its warm timber tones and forged metal elements suit bohemian, rustic, and global-inspired interior aesthetics.

Store the instrument in a stable environment away from excess humidity and direct heat sources to prevent the wood board from splitting. Dust the timber gently with a dry microfibre cloth and inspect metal elements periodically to prevent oxidisation.
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