likembe dza vadzimu

The likembe dza vadzimu is a type of lamellaphone, a plucked idiophone unique to Africa. It is essentially a "thumb piano" consisting of tuned metal or bamboo tongues attached to a soundboard with a resonator, often a calabash or box. These instruments are played by plucking the tongues with the thumbs and fingers.12

In Zimbabwe, the likembe dza vadzimu is used in rituals for ancestor worship. Lamellaphones, in general, are widely distributed across the African continent and serve primarily for song accompaniment. They have a long history, with evidence suggesting their presence in ancient Zimbabwe and neighboring kingdoms.123