The Mbira

An African Musical Tradition

The Mbira
Mahea Uchiyama
RRP:
NZ$ 30.00
Our Price:
NZ$ 24.00
Paperback
h216 x 140mm - 128pg
14 Sep 2021 US
International import eta 7-19 days
9781623176495
Out Of Stock
Currently no stock in-store, stock is sourced to your order
An introductory guide to the mbira- the spiritual traditions, historical perspectives, and practical applications of a sacred Zimbabwean instrument. In an overview of the history, spiritual significance, and cultural origins of the mbira, teacher and student Mahealani Uchiyama offers readers a foundation for understanding the roles, function, and spiritual resonance of a sacred Shona instrument. The mbira--made of a wooden soundboard and hammered metal keys--is both instrument and practice. It can be played solo or accompanied by singing, percussion, or other mbiras, and is a foundational part of Zimbabwean musical culture. As a spiritual practice, it brings worlds together- it connects the world of healing with the world of entertainment, and bridges the world of the ancestors and the world of the living. With 32 black and white images and a comprehensive glossary of terms, Uchiyama helps readers understand- . The mbira code of conduct, how the mbira is played, and an overview of the lamellophone instrument family . The spiritual, historical, and cultural significance of the mbira within Zimbabwe, and its role in interconnection, community, and connection to Spirit . Cultural appropriation and commodification, and how to mindfully approach and respectfully learn from a culture that' s not your own . How the mbira can be a connection point for readers who have been forcibly severed from their ancestral cultures, and help them reconnect to African roots, wisdom, worldview, spirituality, and ancestors
MAHEALANI UCHIYAMA is an award-winning dancer, musician, composer, choreographer, recording artist, teacher, and author. An advocate for cross-cultural understanding, she is the founder and artistic director of the Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance (MUCID) and director of the Polynesian dance company Halau KaUaTuahine, with whom she has toured internationally. Uchiyama' s unique perspective on the mbira is informed by her status as an initiated priestess of Ifa, a spiritual tradition of West Africa. Having studied Shona music for over a decade, both locally and in Zimbabwe, her work with the mbira has been recognized by the City of Oakland? s Cultural Funding Program, which sponsored her to teach the music and tradition of the mbira to Oakland residents. She is the former President of the Board of Directors of World Arts West and the current Co-Artistic Director of the San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival, as well as, Vice President of MBIRA the Non Profit. She is the author of Haumana Hula Handbook for Students of Hawaiian Dance.
Status: Indent title, imported to order
ISBN-13: 9781623176495
Published: 14 Sep 2021
Published In: United States
Imprint: North Atlantic Books (US)
Publisher: North Atlantic Books (US)
Format: Paperback
Height: 216mm
Width: 140mm
Pages: 128

In stock - for items in stock we aim to dispatch the next business day. For delivery in NZ allow 2-5 business days, with rural taking a wee bit longer.

Locally sourced in NZ - stock comes from a NZ supplier with an approximate delivery of 7-15 business days.

International Imports - stock is imported into NZ, depending on air or sea shipping option from the international supplier stock can take 10-30 working days to arrive into NZ. 

Pre-order Titles - delivery will vary depending on where the title is published, if local stock is available in NZ then 5-7 business days, for international imports it can be 10-30 business days. In all cases we will access the quickest supply option.

Delivery Packaging - we ship all items in cardboard sleeves or by box with either packing paper or corn starch chips. (We avoid using plastics bubble bags)

Tracking - Orders are delivered by track and trace courier and are fully insured, tracking information will be sent by email once dispatched.

View our full Order & Delivery information

Details of the product above will be automatically included with your enquiry.