The piisa is a finger bell adopted over from the Akan (Ashanti) and is
sometimes described as a metal castanet (Kwabena Nketia 1979 in "The
music of Africa"). The piisa consists of two parts, firstly the metal
bell which is worn over the middle finger, and secondly a metal ring which
is worn around the thumb and strikes the metal finger bell.
The piisa has a penetrating timbre, which gives an extra dimension to
the music. It is used to accompany dances as its cross-rhythms provide a
marked rhythm.
Among the Dagomba, the Mamprusi and the Nanumba the piisa is called
fienga.
© RMCA/Dominik PHYFFEROEN