Tabwa Likembe Lamellophone

$180.00

This authentic Tabwa Likembe lamellophone from Congo is a traditional African thumb piano used in funeral rites, initiations, healing rituals, and storytelling. Hand-carved in wood and fitted with metal tines, it features symbolic Tabwa geometric motifs, embodying both musical heritage and sacred cultural meaning—an exceptional collectible piece of Central African art.

This Tabwa Likembe lamellophone is an emblematic instrument of Central African music tradition, deeply rooted in the cultural life of the Tabwa people of Katanga and the Lake Tanganyika region. More than a simple musical object, the likembe occupies a privileged place in ritual, social, and spiritual practices.

Traditionally, the instrument accompanies funeral ceremonies, initiation rites, healing rituals, and heroic narratives, guiding emotional expression and reinforcing community cohesion. Its sound, produced by plucking metal tines with the thumbs, evokes ancestral presence and spiritual communication, reflecting the Tabwa belief in music as a conduit between the visible and invisible worlds.

Carved from fine wood and fitted with metal keys forged from recycled materials, each likembe is a unique creation. The surface often bears geometric motifs and symbolic engravings, characteristic of Tabwa aesthetics, expressing cosmology, identity, and social belonging. These decorations transform the instrument into both an artistic masterpiece and a spiritual emblem.

Beyond its ceremonial significance, the likembe today symbolizes the ingenuity, creativity, and musical sophistication of Central African cultures. It remains a prized collector’s piece, valued for its authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage.