The MBIRA DZAVADZIMU, with 24 metal keys, is made from a plank of wood from the MUKWA tree. The keys are obtained from fine rods of iron with a high carbon content. The instrument is fixed to the inside of large gourds which act as a soundbox (with a characteristic effect of supporting the sound). Amongst the SHONA,
communities who use this instrument, the sound of the MBIRA was traditionally associated with rites of contact with the ancestors. The word MBIRA itself derives from a religious ceremony called BIRA. A good MBIRA player is considered a sort of chosen individual, protected by the spirits of the ancestors. There are versions of this instrument where the soundbox is made (obviously for magical purposes) from animal skulls. The MBIRA was traditionally used in Zimbabwe as a solo instrument. In neighbouring regions, at least six different types of MBIRA are known: the MBIRA MATEPE, common in Manicaland, with long slim keys 29 or 34 in number; the MBIRA NJARI, with 34 keys, present in the area of Masvingo; the MBIRA DZAVADZIMU (in the photo) with the keys in two rows, common in the eastern regions; the MBIRA NHARE, with broad keys and a hole in the soundbox for the little finger of the right hand; this last instrument is common amongst the communities in Mashonaland. The MBIRA TONGA,
, much smaller with 8/14 keys, mounted on a small shaped wooden box, is used by the TONGA. Lastly, the MBIRA KARIMBA, with a variable number of keys, between 8 and 20. In this case it is used directly on a gourd, with a hole at the top and which acts as a natural soundbox.
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