Mbira: What is the musical instrument featured in today’s Google Doodle?
The interactive Doodle celebrates Zimbabwe’s national instrument
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Google is celebrating Zimbabwe’s national instrument the mbira as part of Zimbabwe’s Culture Week, with an interactive video that allows anyone to try their hand at the unique instrument.
The mbira has been played for over 1,000 years and plays an integral role in the traditions and cultural identity of Zimbabwe’s Shona people.
The instrument, which originated in Southern Africa, is made up of a handheld hardwood soundboard, called the gwariva and has a series of thin metal keys affixed to its surface.
It is played by plucking the metal keys between the thumbs and forefinger, and as a result, is sometimes referred to as the ‘thumb piano’.
Materials such as bottle caps or beads can be attached to the instrument to create its signature buzzing sound.
The mbira remains a vital cultural emblem of the community as it is often played in a variety of Shona ceremonies.
Through the music of the mbira the Shona people have been able to pass down over hundreds of years and generations.
The Shona name for the instrument is mbira dzavadzimu, which means “mbira of the ancestors”.
This interactive google doodle video on the site’s homepage on 21 May allows players to learn about the instrument through the story of a Zimbabwean girl, shedding light on its rich musical history.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments