Zanze 1875 - 1889

This Zanze, or hand piano, was created by an Ashanti artist using wood and metal. Its simple construction belies the significance of music in Ashanti culture. Music in Ashanti society was deeply woven into social life, serving not only as entertainment but also as a crucial element in ceremonies, storytelling, and communication. The instrument's craftsmanship, from the carved geometric patterns to the carefully placed metal keys, shows the value placed on artistic expression within the community. The Ashanti people, located in modern-day Ghana, possessed a rich history marked by complex political systems and trade networks. The Zanze offered a means to negotiate social relations and cultural identity. Objects such as this one, now displayed in museums, allow us to consider how cultural heritage is preserved and presented. By studying such instruments and their role within the culture, we gain insight into the social structures that shaped artistic production. Researching the music traditions of the Ashanti provides a richer understanding of this object, emphasizing that meaning is always dependent on social and institutional context.