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Turtles swim happily over a dried coconut shell and beneath stainless steel leaves in this gorgeous kalimba, or thumb piano, by Balinese artisan Trisna Dewi. Traditionally a musical instrument from Africa, this plucked idiophone produces a hollow tone when the tines are strummed. The word kalimba is a Bantu word which means 'little music.'
Artisan Organization: Trisna Dewi
Country: Bali and Java
"I was born in Bali in 1983. I'm married and have two daughters. My hometown is known for preserving its traditional culture, arts, temples and a lot of beautiful natural scenery.
"Ever since I was a little girl, I've enjoyed Bali's traditional dancing, and these dances are usually performed to traditional music. I became interested in many types of traditional musical instruments.
"When I was 20, I began working with a neighbor. My father taught me to carve masks, but there are many interesting artistic sculptures and music instruments I find fascinating.
"There have been some bad periods during my journey as an artisan. People disliked my new creations or weren't interested in them. But this didn't discourage me — in fact, it motivated me to create something new and learn what people really liked. Never give up or let yourself feel down. This is important. You have to keep improving so that no one will underestimate you.
"Although I'm not a musician, many people like the musical instruments I craft, especially as décor objects or to play for fun. I use wood, leather and aluminum pipes, and sometimes I use leftover wood scraps to make the small instruments. I have several helpers and all have their own skills.""
First, I have no clue how to play one of these, but it is very well made and so unique that it is a great conversation piece. Not sure what it is supposed to sound like but it's fun to play around with it.
This thumb piano is so adorable and unique! It produces a lovely sound.💛 My whole family loves to play with it!😊
I picked this thumb piano for my nephew as a gift! The sound it makes is so nice and it looks amazing! Love that it's made out of coconut & the carvings are beautiful! Tempted to keep it!
Everyone picks this thumb piano up and plays. Super unique and great island sound.
very cute, my grandbaby will enjoy the sounds of it
