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Kalimba

late 19th–early 20th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681
The shovel-shaped kalimba of south­eastern Africa has its longest, lowest-​
sounding lamella in the center. Lamellaphones may be placed in or attached to a gourd that serves as a resonator to enhance and amplify the instrument’s sound.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Kalimba
  • Date: late 19th–early 20th century
  • Geography: Zambia or Zimbabwe
  • Culture: Zambian or Zimbabwean
  • Medium: Wood, steel, copper
  • Dimensions: Overall: W. 8.9 x L. 13.3cm (3 1/2 x 5 1/4in.)
  • Classification: Idiophone-Plucked / Depressed
  • Credit Line: Gift of Miss Alice Getty, 1946
  • Object Number: 46.34.40
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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