Jíbaro Guitar

late 19th Century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 682

This rare guitar and a tiple in a private collection are the only known 19th-century Puerto Rican stringed instruments to survive. This jíbaro (country) guitar reflects the shape of the bordonúa and maintains similar construction. Unlike the bordonúa, small thorns attach the top to the hollowed body like tacks used on earlier Spanish models, and it has only five gut strings. Designs, reminiscent of African textiles, are carved and incised on the guitar's body.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Jíbaro Guitar
Date: late 19th Century
Geography: Puerto Rico, United States
Culture: Native American (Puerto Rico)
Medium: Wood
Dimensions: W. 17.6 x D. 8.6 x L. 72.2 cm (6 15/16 x 3 3/8 x 28 7/16 in.)
Classification: Chordophone-Lute-plucked-unfretted
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. E. N. Vanderpoel, 1915
Object Number: 15.77
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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