Sansa

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.

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Further Information

• Type: Musical instruments
• Object: Sansa
• Materials: Wood, Metal
• Culture Group: Other
• Dimensions: 270mm [L] x 95mm [W]
• Production Date: Pre 1980
• Associated Places: Unknown
• Associated People: A. E. Johnston
• Museum: British Museum
• Accession Number: BM:Af.1980.6.5

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