The Mbira
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The Mbira by Mahea Uchiyama
An introductory guide to the mbira: the spiritual traditions, historical perspectives, and practical applications of a sacred Zimbabwean instrument. In this accessible overview steeped in history and tradition, teacher and student Māhealani Uchiyama offers insights for learning about the mbira and actively engaging with it in an informed and respectful way.The mbira is made of a wooden soundboard and hammered metal keys. It can be played solo or accompanied by singing, clapping, dancing, percussion, or other mbira. In traditional Zimbabwean culture, the mbira is a spiritual practice that bridges worlds: for example, the realm of the ancestors and of healing energies with the worlds of the living.
Supplemented with 32 images and glossary of terms, this book helps readers understand:
- The mbira's special roles within the lamellaphone instrument family
- Relevant Zimbabwean and African cultural, historical, and spiritual perspectives
- Ways the mbira can become a connection point for people severed from their African roots
- How appropriation and commodification have contributed to the mbira's popularization around the world
- Codes of conduct for respectfully playing the mbira and for taking it up as a practice
Most recently performing in July 2015 at the Hollywood Bowl with the LA Philharmonic, Mahealani Uchiyama is an award-winning dancer, musician, composer, choreographer, recording artist, and teacher. An advocate for cross-cultural understanding, she is the founder and artistic director of the Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance in Berkeley, California, and is Kumu Hula (master teacher) of Halau Ka Ua Tuahine. She has led numerous performance tours to Tahiti, New Zealand, and the islands of Hawai'i, and taught workshops intenationally. She has been an instructor of Hawaiian language at Stanford University and also serves as president of the board of World Arts West, the producers of the annual San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781623176495 |
| ISBN 10 | 1623176492 |
| Title | The Mbira |
| Author | Mahea Uchiyama |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | North Atlantic Books,U.S. |
| Year published | 2021-09-14 |
| Number of pages | 128 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |