Limba/Mbila - Ilimba Drum
Sometimes also called "Ilimba Drum" this is a traditional ceremonial instrument originating from Congo, Angola, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique. Referenced from Bantu languages "Limba" as well as "Mbila" are word stems that refer to a one-note, gourd resonated xylophone as an instrument connected to the reverence of ancestral spirits. When several of these instruments are played together they are called "Alimba".
Limba/Mbila
When the natural tone of the bar of wood matches with the natural tone of the column of air defined by the size and shape of the resonating body the sound is very dynamic.
Limba/Mbila Photo Gallery
Limba with burned design Basswood frame and Key; Black Walnut support arms.
Photo Gallery
Painted Limba
Spanish Cedar Key; Black Walnut support arms; painted Basswood frame.
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Another Painted Limba example...
The Key (wooden stave) of this Limba is Spanish Cedar. Support Arms are Black Walnut; the rest of the frame is painted Basswood.
Photo Gallery
On this Limba the Gourd Resonator is large producing a long lasting sonorous tone. Key is Paduak Wood. See below.....
Photo Gallery
Ilimba Drum Demo
Ilimba Drums are traditional instruments in Congo, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Greg Trimble of Crossroads Musical Instruments was stimulated to make these Ilimba Drums by an inquiry from Ana Maria in Australia. This film demonstrates the sound of the first 4 Ilimba Drums Greg made.The notes of the wooden staves (Keys) are tuned to the natural tone of the column of air inside the Gourd resonator which makes for the dynamic sound.