Description Cool clear tones reflecting nature’s energy and rhythms. Whether you are a beginner musician or a professional musician, this is the instrument for you! Mahogany thumb piano, 4.9″ x 6.9″, 17 steel keys. The thumb piano originates in Africa. It is also known as the mbira, kalimba or likembe. The metal keys are mounted on a wooden box that acts as the resonating chamber. To play, rest the thumb piano on the fingers of both hands and hold it between your palms. Then pluck the keys with your thumbs. The longer keys have lower pitches and shorter keys have higher pitches. The keys can be adjusted by tapping them in or out to adjust their length, and therefore their pitch.