Advanced Search 
Fiddle (rebab tiga tali) and bow
1950–75
Object Place: Malaysia
Medium/Technique
Wood, animal skin
Dimensions
Length 119.0 cm, width 22.5 cm, depth 4.8 cm (Length 46 7/8 in., width 8 7/8 in., depth 1 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Joseph R. Coolidge in memory of his wife, Peggy Stuart Coolidge
Accession Number1981.777a-b
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsContemporary Art, Musical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Chordophones
DescriptionHeart-shaped wood body with skin belly; the sides covered by dark blue corduroy cloth; long strands of bright pink and green yarn fastened at top of back. Body pierced by elaborately carved neck. Neck and short carved wood tuning pegs painted with shiny enamel (?) in light blue, pink, silver, gold, black, and red. Three strings fastened to metal tailpiece at lower end of neck's "spike." Inverted U-shaped wood bridge with two hollowed-out feet. Nodule of unknown substance (secretion from a bee?) adhered to treble upper side of belly; may be used for suppresion of "wolf" tones and/or as a "rosin." Strings are "modern" wound strings (apparently from a guitar). Sliding nut of twisted fiber.
ProvenanceBy 1976, property of a museum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; between 1976 and 1981, purchased by a friend for, and later sent, to Peggy Stuart Coolidge (1913-1981), New York; 1981, by inheritance to her husband, Joseph R. Coolidge (1916-1999), New York; 1981, gift of Coolidge to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 9, 1981)