Decorative ornament - Lamelófono «Kankobele» – Pueblo Tabwa. - Congo

Lamelophone “Kankobele” – Tabwa People

Object: Lamellophone / sanza (thumb piano)
Traditional name: Kankobele
People / Culture: Tabwa (attribution)
Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Material: Wood and iron
Technique: Carved wood; metal tines
Measurements: 27 × 13.5 × 6.5 cm

Ancient African lamellophone, attributed to the Tabwa cultural sphere, a people primarily settled in the southeastern area of what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, around the Lake Tanganyika region.

This type of instrument belongs to the extensive African family of lamellophones, generically known as sanza, likembe, or thumb pianos. Among the Tabwa, specimens named kankobele have been documented, made of wood and equipped with metal tines. The Musée de la Musique in Paris preserves instruments cataloged specifically as Tabwa-style under this designation.

The specimen features a rectangular resonator box made of wood, on whose surface there is a set of iron tines of different lengths. These are mounted transversely and were plucked with the fingers, producing different tones depending on the length and characteristics of each blade.

Notably, the wooden surface shows a marked patina of use and age, with darkened areas, irregular edge wear, longitudinal cracks, small losses, and numerous traces from handling. The metal elements also show oxidation and aging.

In the lower front area there are two attached elements whose exact function cannot be determined from photographs alone. They could be related to acoustic elements intended to modify the instrument’s vibration or resonance.

Based on its construction features, materials, and aging, an approximate dating to the first half of the 20th century is proposed, ca. 1920–1950. This chronology should be considered tentative in the absence of provenance documentation or material analysis.

Conservation status

Good overall condition given its age and functional character. It shows wear, cracks, abrasions, small losses, and surface alterations in the wood. Oxidation and wear on the tines and remaining metal elements. It preserves a notable patina of use.

Cataloging: African Art · Tabwa People · Democratic Republic of the Congo · Lamellophone · Kankobele · First half of the 20th century · Ca. 1920–1950.