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Fiddle (kízh kízh díhí) and bow
Native American, White Mountain Apache
19th century
Object Place: Arizona, United States, Southwest
Medium/Technique
Agave stalk, reed
Dimensions
Length 31.5 cm, diameter 4.3 cm (Length 12 3/8 in., diameter 1 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Leslie Lindsey Mason Collection
Accession Number17.2239a-b
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsMusical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Chordophones
DescriptionCylindrical body constructed of two hollowed out halves of agave (?) stalk painted yellow and bound near each end with cotton cord. Lump of rosin (?) adhered to one end. Rod of wood pierces body end-to-end with about six strands (two intact) of black horsehair tied to each end. Painted decoration comprised of following: large centrally-placed blue "X" on each side, outlined by black dots. At each side of "X" is blue bow tie shape (representing butterfly) bisected at axis by red double-headed arrow. Above "X" is line of repeating pattern of orange circle and two blue diamonds. Encircling each end is broad black band with border of blue semi-circles. At one end are series of short black diagonal lines. Later carrying loop of gut tied to one end. Bow of river reed (?) with about twelve strands of white horsehair bound to each end with sinew.
ProvenanceFrancis W. Galpin (b. 1858 - d. 1945), Hatfield Regis, England; 1916, sold by Francis W. Galpin to William Lindsey (b. 1858 - d. 1922), Boston; 1916, gift of William Lindsey to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 5, 1916)