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.
Collection: The Musician Goddesses Series
Technique and Medium: This embroidery on alpaga fabric employs backstitch, stem stitch, satin stitch, straight stitch, and silk shading techniques. In addition, beadwork and ribbon work have been applied. In this work, embroidery was executed with cotton mouliné threads and satin ribbons.
Dimensions: 28 × 21 cm (height × width)
Inspiration: Marimba legends, musical bows, and African textile motifs.
Marimba
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.
