Dem. Rep. of Congo and Zambia (tribe unknown): Two musical instruments, called 'sanza' or 'thumb piano'.
1: An unusually large 'sanza' ('thumb piano') from Zambia. Consisting of a brown, flat, rectangular wooden body as a resonating chamber. A total of 26 (!) 'tongues' of iron are attached to this soundbox by means of three diagonal stretchers made of wood and iron. These ‘tongues’ are slightly curved upwards. The player makes music by striking (‘plucking’) them at the lower end with his thumbs. The varying length of the iron ‘tongues’ results in different notes. The wooden resonating chamber of the present large 'sanza' is decorated with three diagonal zigzag lines in chip-carving relief in its upper section, and displays a total of five round, drilled holes. This musical instrument presents a good, old usage patina, and minor age damage: two minor tears in the upper and lower sections, with remains of original repairs. First half of the 20th century; dimensions: 38 cm x 27 cm x 5.3 cm.
2: Kuba (or Bakuba), Congo: Significantly smaller and older than the other 'sanza' of this lot. It was manufactured by the Kuba in central Congo. It consists of a black-dyed wooden board, with slightly flared corners. An open 'box' made of wood and sheet iron is attached to it. Seven 'tongues' of iron are fixed to the box by means of iron stirrups and copper wire. The supporting wooden board displays typical, geometrical patterns of the Kuba in relief in the lower section. An object with very good, old usage patina. A tear in the lower part. Early 20th century; dimensions: 17 cm x 9 cm. (ME)