They consist of a wooden board (often fitted with a resonator) with attached staggered metal tines, played by holding the instrument in the hands and plucking the tines with the thumbs (at minimum), the right forefinger (most mbira), and sometimes the left forefinger..
The mbira is one of several idiophones that are plucked rather than vibrated by percussion, shaken, or scraped.
In performance, the player holds the instrument in his hands and plucks the tongues with his thumbs and forefingers..
Mbira is also required at death ceremonies, and is traditionally played for a week following a chief's death before the community is informed of his passing.
At the kurova guva ceremony, approximately one year after a person's physical death, mbira is used to welcome that individual's spirit back to the community..
There is no standard uniform for performing on an mbira.
Depending on the event and reason for performing, Gwenyambira may wear street clothes, formal attire, or traditional cultural/religious garments..
The thumb piano, or mbira – a name derived from Shona language of Zimbabwe - is uniquely African percussion instrument.
In the distant past it was made entirely of wood or bamboo and could have been used for a few thousand years..
The mbira is best known as a thumb piano and comes from the Shona people of Zimbabwe.
The hammered mbira is laid out like the hammered dulcimer but has metal rods instead of strings.
It is capable of a variety of tonal qualities depending on the kind of hammers used..
Mbira dance is a characteristic, traditional ritual dance, accompanied by the mbira instrument.
It is designed for specific occasions, usually religious in nature, and it is used to express the people.
The Mbira dance is often used to lure spirits to come out through spirit mediums and communicate with the people..
Mbira is also required at death ceremonies, and is traditionally played for a week following a chief's death before the community is informed of his passing.
At the kurova guva ceremony, approximately one year after a person's physical death, mbira is used to welcome that individual's spirit back to the community..
In Zimbabwe, a Shona mbira piece consists of a basic cyclical pattern which includes numerous intertwined melodies, often with contrasting and syncopated rhythms.
There are extensive possibilities for rhythmic and melodic variation within the traditional improvisational style..
The thumb piano, or mbira – a name derived from Shona language of Zimbabwe - is uniquely African percussion instrument.
In the distant past it was made entirely of wood or bamboo and could have been used for a few thousand years..
Dancing in Zimbabwe is an important aspect of the Zimbabwean culture, tradition, spirituality and history
The Republic of Zimbabwe has a population that is about 16 million people; the majority, about 76%, live in rural areas
The three distinctive instruments of Zimbabwe include drums (ngomas), the mbira, (hosho) and the marimba. Different sizes, shapes
Dances may be performed for enjoyment or entertainment, during many rituals including spirit possession, to re-create history, as an art form
Traditional dance in Zimbabwe is constantly changing
