Biola (violin)
The biola is a fiddle referencing the form of a European violin that is used in the Bajau communities to play a type of music called the pantun. The instrument is typically played by a female singer who improvises and alternates with a male singer in question and answer phrases. The traditional performances take place between midnight and dawn. The biola is the only instrument found in traditional music. While typically the instrument has only three strings, this example, like western violins, has four. The instrument has a flat top and back made of unvarnished wood.
Artwork Details
- Title: Biola (violin)
- Culture: Igorot People
- Date: ca. 1800–1889
- Geography: Philippines
- Culture: Philippine (Igorot)
- Medium: Wood, horn
- Dimensions: Length: 22 1/2 in. (57.2 cm)
Width: 7 in. (17.8 cm)
Depth: 1 1/8 in. (2.9 cm) - Classification: Chordophone-Lute-bowed-unfretted
- Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
- Object Number: 89.4.3416a, b
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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