TUNED MBIRA MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
MBIRA MUSICAL INSTRUMENT USED BY THE SHONA PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE.THIS INSTRUMENT HAS BEEN PASSED ON FROM GENERATIONS TO GENERATIONS. ITS AN INSTRUMENT WHICH HAS BEEN HAND CRAFTED WITH FINE ARTIST WITH AMAIZING TALENTS.
THE MBIRA INSTRUMENT MEASURES APPROX 23CM X 19CM
THIS MBIRA IS TUNED TO MBIRA DZENHARE AND THE SONGS WHICH CAN BE PLAYED TO THIS TUNING ARE AS FOLLOWS
- Nyamaropa
- Mahororo
- Nhema musasa
- Dindingwe
- Kashiri kamambo
- Chamutengure
- Kunatsa muroyi
- Taireva
- Tondobayana
- Mapadza
- Kasahwa
- Manhanga
It consists of 22 metal keys mounted on a hardwood soundboard and two shakers (bottle tops) which resonance to produce a beautiful sound. The keys are played with the two thumbs plucking down and the right forefinger plucking up.
A Shona mbira piece consists of a basic cyclical pattern which includes numerous intertwined melodies, often with contrasting rhythms. The extensive possibilities for rhythmic and melodic variation render each performance unique. When two mbiras are played together, the interlocking parts result in rich polyphony and polyrhythms. A traditional repertoire of hundreds of pieces is transmitted from generation to generation, and pieces popular today are known to have been played over 700 years ago. At traditional Zimbabwean ceremonies (mapira), ancestors are called by performing their favorite songs; thus, the same pieces are retained in the repertoire over the centuries.
Changes in "state of being" induced by Shona mbira music, which are experienced by Western students and listeners even before they learn to hear the music in a Shona way, encourage students to begin mbira studies, and to persevere until they master the more challenging cross-cultural aspects of the musical style.
It is arguably the most amazing and mysterious musical instrument made by man, and all other instruments can be traced to their parent, The Mbira.
Having lived amongst the indigenous African people for many years, a deep appreciation and love for the people and their earthy, lively art emerged. Many of these African people are impoverished and their inspirational and original use of natural and recycled materials is indeed a delight to behold. It is our desire to ensure that the crafts people who design and manufacture our craft items are adequately remunerated for their work, and Reflections of Africa is totally committed to the principle of Fair Trade.
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