Mbira made by Ephat Mujuru Beautiful Last One Start Price USD 399.00 Current Price USD 399.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, August 19, 2008 End Time Sunday, August 24, 2008 Location birmingham, AL See more about 'Mbira made by Ephat Mujuru Beautiful Last One' Description Up for grabs is my last mbira made by the late Ephat Mujuru. I bought this about six years ago from a buyer who specialized in african art. He traveled to Ephat's village and met his family, and sent me several photos of himself with the great man and many members of his clan. Ephat was known more for playing than making mbiras, but began making them in earnest towards the end of his short life. I have the great fortune to have a friend in town who travels to Africa when he can, and who befriended Mr. Mujuru, and even showed him a few things about making mbiras, including getting overtones from the keys and tuning.  As you may know, Ephat died suddenly from a massive heart attack at age 53. What was really sad to me was that I was about to meet him. Apparently there is a small pocket of Mbira players in South Carolina, and he was going there to give master classes, and he was going to stay with my friend for a few days on either side of his S.C. visit. We were so excited to have him here, but he passed away before he left his hometown.  Anyway, this is a beautiful instrument, with a very major key feel. Any two notes sound good together, and it is very easy to play. It would be a good instrument to learn on because of it's beautiful tone and it's forgiving nature if you hit a wrong key. Mr. Mujuru not only signed it on the back, but burned his name into the bottom edge with a hot nail. I guess he wanted to leave no doubt as to the maker. I don't know anyone aside from my friend who has any mbiras made by him, except for Tangdai, who I think bought the previous two that I sold. It goes wothout saying that this is a rare instrument. Ephat's sons are carrying on the tradition of playing and building mbiras, and they do really nice work, but there will of course, be no more made by him. This would be nice to play, and is certainly a good investment. I hope that the person who gets it will play it occasionally and not lock it away; it needs to be played!!! I know that I personally feel better just picking it up and plucking a few keys. It brings a certain kind of peace that's hard to describe, and has beem my connection to a wonderful man that I never got to meet, but still feel a love for. I do hope that it goes to someone who can appreciate it for what it is, rather than someone who will stash it away and wait for it to increase in value.  This instrument will ship for 15$ securely packed and INSURED in the US. I will gladly ship internationally (Paypal only). Overseas bidders please e-mail me for shipping rates and options. If I should happen to quote a shipping cost that's more than the actual cost by more than a couple of dollars, I'll refund the difference via Paypal, so bid with confidence. I've never had to say this before, but I do reserve the right to refuse bids, even if I just feel that someone is buying it for the wrong reasons. You will not be unhappy with this one. I'm a bit distracted so I've probably left out some info, so please contact me with any questions, or if you'd like more photos. Paypal only on this auction please, unless other arrangements are made in advance. Thanks for looking. Peace. Place a Bid!