Object Details
- Description
- This banjo was made by an unknown maker in the United States around 1835-1865. It has undergone considerable scrutiny and analysis at the Smithsonian because of its attribution to American slave origins. So far, studies have been inconclusive. While the sun design carved on the body may have African origins, the polygonal shape, wood top (instead of a skin), and carved head pegbox lie outside the traditions of banjos brought to America by Africans. Nevertheless, the instrument was likely made by someone familiar with Black culture.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Credit Line
- Gift of Robert S. Jamieson
- 1835-1865
- ID Number
- 1990.0164.01
- accession number
- 1990.0164
- catalog number
- 1990.0164.01
- Object Name
- banjo
- Physical Description
- wood (part material)
- metal (part material)
- Measurements
- overall: 31 in x 10 in x 3 1/2 in; 78.74 cm x 25.4 cm x 8.89 cm
- place made
- United States
- See more items in
- Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments
- Music & Musical Instruments
- Cultures & Communities
- Banjos
- National Museum of American History
- subject
- African American
- Record ID
- nmah_606749
- GUID (Link to Original Record)
- http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-418a-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
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