Sanza

Wooden sanza with 12 metal tines—the wooden surface is considerably worn from use. The sanza is one of the most characteristic instruments of sub-Saharan Africa. The materials used to make the body and the tines of this instrument can vary depending on the geographical area: they can be made of wood, squash, or iron. In Africa, the various stages in a person's life cycle are usually marked with music and dance, and so there are cradle songs, children's game songs, and initiation rite songs, which are often accompanied by instruments such as the harp or sanza.