Zebrawood Zaire

The thumb piano has been used in storytelling throughout Africa for centuries.  The Griots there incorporate it with their dance, stories, and song performances.  After meeting several storytellers over the years, I had a request for a small thumb piano that could be worn around the neck while being used during a story performance.  The first ones were rather simple, on a plain leather cord, but now I love to design more elaborate bead necklaces that each has a story of its own.  These necklaces have a full scale just like the larger models, yet are higher in pitch (according to the length of the keys), and are a bit quieter.  Very fun to wear and play! I do many, many different combinations of beads on these pieces, please contact me for special requests or to find out what my current selection includes.

Blue Trade Beads Padauk

Rosewood Rhinos

Maple Fish

Red "Eye" Beads

Zebrawood Zaire

Copal Amber Trade Beads

Bone Ankhs, Mahogany

Padauk Turtles