Marimba

The Voice of Freedom and Music in Africa

This embroidery focuses on Queen Marimba, a legendary figure said to have led the Akamba people of East Africa and later became an immortal character in myth. In African mythology, Marimba is regarded as the goddess of music, song, and instruments. She is depicted here playing the makweyana, a traditional musical bow. Marimba is also credited with the invention of several instruments, including the marimba (a type of xylophone), mukimbe, kalimba, and the ngoma drum.

Colorful embroidered fabric art of a woman with dark skin, wearing a headscarf, large earrings, and jewelry, holding a string with beads. The design features animals like elephants and lions, and patterns with bright colors and beads.

Collection: The Musician Goddesses Series


Technique: Embroidered on alpaca fabric using Chinese embroidery (silk shading), backstitch, stem stitch, couching, French knot, and ribbon embroidery techniques, along with the use of beads and raffia thread.


Inspiration: Marimba legends, musical bows, and African textile motifs.

The marimba instrument bearing the name of Marimba, various types of kalimba, and examples of the ngoma drum—believed to have been invented by Queen Marimba. These instruments were acquired through purchase between 2004 and 2010 and became part of the collection.

A bamboo xylophone with colorful painted flowers on each bar, resting on a white surface, with a wooden mallet nearby.

Marimba

A colorful, decorated musical instrument with metal tines and a painted mandala design, alongside a wooden box with metal tines mounted on it.

Variations of Kalimba

Examples of Ngoma Drums

A small wooden drum with a natural wood finish and a white drumhead, decorated with black cord lacing around the sides, placed on a white surface against a plain white background.
An African drum with painted patterns and wooden beads, set against a plain white wall.