Lute-like long-necked plucked chordophone called a Sitari. To be played it is held in the left hand and at the neck, while the resonator is kept on the left shoulder. The string in plucked with the left hand. Is used to accompany singing and narration.
The sitari plays a single note drone and is a spike lute that is known throughout India as an ektar. Mr Ramaswamy, the maker of this sitari, belongs to the Telugu-speaking Erukula community of itinerant musicians. He is based a village where Sora are in the majority. The sitari accompanies Erukula musicians' singing and narration of poems such as the Ramayana epic, mainly recited at festivals. The instrument is held in the right hand by the neck and plucked with index or middle finger of the right hand. Jakulu (Horniman Museum number: 2004.531), wooden clappers held in the sitari player's left hand, provide a rhythmic accompaniment.
