This curious hand instrument is mounted on a beautiful tortoise or turtle shell. The instrument is a thumb piano, known as a Mbira in Africa, where it originates, and also a Kalimba in the Caribbean Islands. The instrument is played by holding the piece in one's hands and plucking the metal tines with one's thumbs. This particular one has a nice sound to it, though it could likely use some adjustment/tuning to get it sounding just right. It is in good condition and mounted to the tortoise shell with copper wire. Both the instrument and the shell it is mounted to have a nice antique patina to them.
