Mbira (/ ə m ˈ b ɪər ə / əm-BEER-ə) are a family of musical instruments, traditional to the Shona people of Zimbabwe.

The type of mbira shown here, of the Shona people of Zimbabwe, consists of 22 to 28 metal keys mounted on a gwariva (hardwood soundboard) made from wood of the mubvamaropa tree (Pterocarpus angolensis).

Mbira pervades all aspects of Shona traditional culture, both sacred and secular. The most important function of mbira is as a “telephone to the spirits”, used to contact both deceased ancestors and even more ancient tribal guardians, at all-night bira (pl. mapira) ceremonies.

Mar 7, 2025 · mbira, plucked idiophone (instrument whose sounding parts are resonant solids belonging to the body of the instrument itself)—or more specifically, a lamellaphone—that is unique to Africa and widely distributed throughout the continent.

Oct 29, 2023 · The mbira, also known as the "thumb piano," is a distinctive Zimbabwean percussion instrument. As an idiophone, it features resonant solid components integrated into its own body. Its name, "mbira," which is often translated as voice of the ancestors, derives from the Shona language of Zimbabwe, a region where this instrument has a rich history.

Aug 28, 2020 · Detailed answers to Your Top 12 Questions about Mbira (FREE Downloads, Fascinating Facts + Instrument Information) • HOW TO PLAY MBIRA • HOW MBIRA IS MADE • HOW MBIRA WORKS • HOW MBIRA IS USED • WHAT TYPE OF INSTRUMENT MBIRA IS • WHAT MBIRA SOUNDS LIKE • WHERE MBIRA IS FROM • OTHER MBIRA NAMES • HOW …

May 22, 2020 · The mbira is an instrument of deep spiritual significance to the Shona people of Zimbabwe. It is played by plucking metal keys fixed to a wooden soundboard. The mbira instrument comes in different variations across Zimbabwe with …

The mbira is a lamellaphone, that is, an instrument with plucked metal “tongues” or keys mounted on a soundboard. Sometimes known in the West as a thumb piano, instruments like this can be found all over Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.

May 22, 2020 · The mbira is an instrument from the African continent. It is sometimes called the ‘thumb piano’ because it is played with the thumbs and one finger. The mbira is made of 22 to 28 metal keys attached to a hardwood soundboard called the gwariva, usually placed inside a large gourd to amplify the sound. The metal keys are plucked with both ...

Enrich your life with the healing music of mbira. Zimbabwean music, instruments and educational info - MBIRA is a non-profit organization supporting 300 traditional musicians and instrument makers in Zimbabwe.