Sierra Leone Heritage ~ Reanimating cultural heritage

A sansa (Sasa in Mende), or finger piano. This musical instrument consists of a wooden block, containing a rattle, and sealed with a carved wooden lip. It has five metal keys held in place with a metal strip and cane. ...[more]

A sansa (Sasa in Mende), or finger piano. This musical instrument consists of a wooden block, containing a rattle, and sealed with a carved wooden lip. It has five metal keys held in place with a metal strip and cane. The instrument is played by plucking the keys; the vibrations are sent down to the piece of cane, which verberates the sound through the box, amplifying it. This example also has a rattle attached to the end made of 11 metal balls. The keys of a sansa are often made from flattened umbrella spokes.

A sansa (Sasa in Mende), or finger piano. This musical instrument consists of a wooden block, containing a rattle, and sealed with a carved wooden lip. It has five metal keys held in place with a metal strip and cane. The instrument is played by plucking the keys; the vibrations are sent down to the piece of cane, which verberates the sound through the box, amplifying it. This example also has a rattle attached to the end made of 11 metal balls. The keys of a sansa are often made from flattened umbrella spokes. [less]