The African Kalimba or Thumb Piano

2 more pictures above in notes! :)

A few years ago, Steve and I went to an art festival in Ashland, Oregon, and met a man who had an amazing display of these unusual and beautiful musical instruments. We loved the way they looked and bought one to display as artwork in our home, though we do enjoy making our ears bleed from time to time while we try to pluck our way through Chopsticks.

From Wiki:
The thumb piano or kalimba is an African musical instrument, a type of plucked idiophone (lamellophone) common throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. Also known as a "sansa" and "mbira", it is popular throughout central, western and eastern Africa. It was formerly known as the Negro piano. (Note from Janet: grrrrrrrrr!!!!!! I detest racism!!) The kalimba is played by holding the instrument in the hands and plucking the tines with the thumbs. (For the entire article, please visit Wiki: Wikipedia: Thumb Piano

If you would like to hear a beautiful piece of music played on this instrument, please watch and listen! Soothing Musical Instrument Kalimba

This is another piece of music to listen to! Danny Boy on a Kalimba

Dubonnet found this lovely piece too! The Butterfly - Celtic music on Kalimba. Thanks for the recommendation! :)