Mbila

Xylophone set of ten wooden keys, suspended and attached to a frame with leather lacing. The keys are suspended over a central, longitudinal strut with bored holes for each key that connect to the respective, graded-size gourd resonators (Strychnos sp.) underneath. Each gourd has a small nipple with a circular opening to receive mirliton membrane and an extra gourd casing to protect these membranes. Additional strips of wood with shallow notches along the upper edge are also leather-laced and attached to the strut, arranging the keys in pairs. The strut ends connect with an U-shaped wooden frame (handle) with shallow notches along the upper edges of sides. The tenon-joints would also connect to a wooden foot on each end which are missing here. Pair of beaters with wooden handles and natural rubber heads.