ANTH 204 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Shona Music, Cecil Rhodes, Robert Mugabe
Document Summary
Ethnic groups shona (84%), ndebele (10%), and white- mixed race (6%). British colony (1898-1965), independent rhodesia with white government (1965-80). Lamellophones (idiophones with metal plates of tongues that vibrate when plucked). Metal strips of various lengths fixed at one end to top of small wooden box. Unfixed ends of metal strips hang over small hole in top of wooden box which as resonator (amplifies sound). Wooden box placed inside large hollow gourd which acts as second resonator. Buzzing sound created by sea shells, bottle caps, and other objects attached to box and gourd. Mbira players pluck metal strips with their thumbs and index fingers. Lead part (kushaura) played on keys in higher pitch range. Pieces consists of four harmonic segments that repeat with variations in melodic line. Second mbira player adds interlocking rhythmic patterns and melodic variations. Two gourd rattles (hosho) play steady cross-rhythm (2-vs-3). Performance practice: mbira music is used in a variety of context.
