Mbira with seven cane lamellae,or keys, which are laced to the sounding board between two wooden bridges. The lamellae are tapered at the ends and of differing lengths, arranged in two V-shapes. The soundboard is wooden with a forked point at the base. A strap made from plaited strands of dried vegetable fibre is attached to the top of the soundboard. On the back and front of the mbira are stuck pieces of paper containing Arabic script. Inscription (part of the first Surah of the Qur'an) on back of the soundboard reads: Mandingo W. Africa.
The style, shape and tuning of lamellaphones varies greatly throughout Africa. The characteristics of this particular lamellaphone are consistent with those made by the Mandinka-speaking people from Senegal and other parts of West Africa. The Arabic script on the soundboard demonstrates the close relationship between Africa and Islam. This lamellaphone was acquired by Frederick John Horniman before he donated his museum to the people of London in 1901.
