314.122-5 True board zithers with resonator box (box zither)

Kanun, box zither. The instrument consists of a closed box in the shape of a right-angled triangle, with the hypotenuse cut short at one end. 24 triple courses of gut, probably with the middle string tuned an octave lower. Most of the courses are fitted with tangents to raise the pitch by two degrees and in some cases three. The soundboard is decorated with a band of marquetry in a scrolling foliage pattern. Three drop-shaped soundholes filled with fern-leaf fretwork. Wooden tuning pegs, with knob finials. Four rectangular openings in the wide end are covered with a parchment membrane glued to the body.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
M29.3.54/1
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall: 945 x 410 x 100 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
wood; iron/steel; gut; hide
CATEGORY
Musical Instruments
LOCATION
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Collection Information

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