Object Image

Kisanji (Cisaji), a lamellaphone with 18 tongues tuned with wax, and rattling metal rings.

Lamellaphone is a term to designate instruments consisting of thin tongues of metal or split cane, mounted on a resonating board or box. Depressing the free ends of the tongues with the thumbs produces a gentle ringing sound, sometimes augmented by jingling objects attached to the board, and amplified by holding the instrument in a hollow gourd. Tuning is accomplished by sliding the tongues in or out in order to change their vibrating length. Lamellaphones are distributed across sub-Sahara Africa and were brought by slaves to Latin America. They are known by many names that may also be shared with xyloph...

Late 19th century
Wood, metal bridge
25.4 x 19.1cm
89.4.484
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2023

Where you'll find this

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection