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Unknown maker

unknown date unknown date

There are eleven metal tongues placed vertically across the width of this instrument, five on the left and six on the right. Each of the tongues are a different length so that, when plucked, each one produces an unique tone. There are three horizontal elements that support the tongues. The top element is a thin, wood strip that runs under the uppermost tips of the tongues. Applying downward pressure, the middle element – a metal bar – lays over the tongues, securing them to the wood support. This metal brace is attached to the base at twelve points with wire binding. The third and lowest element is a metal bridge that supports the tongues just above their mid-sections. This bridge raises the bottom tips so that the tongues are taut and can be plucked by the user. The wood base itself is open at the bottom end. Tucked inside the bottom, there is a thin, metal rod that runs the width of the instrument. Seven beads and three washers have been threaded on the rod and provide percussive accompaniment when the instrument is shaken. The walls of the chamber are approximately 1 cm thick. While there is no decorative carving on the exterior of the instrument, a vertical strip of wire mesh has been embedded in the upper surface of the piano. This detailing runs from the bottom of the instrument up to the horizontal bridge.

Unknown maker
unknown date unknown date
wood, metal, wire, beads, wood wood, metal, wire, beads, wood
height / width / depth: 35.30 x 34.00 x 4.20 cm; 13.89 x 13.38 x 1.65 in.
Gift from the Estate of Neil Stewart Beaton, 2001 Gift from the Estate of Neil Stewart Beaton, 2001
M01-001

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