Object Details
Description
Physical Description
Iron fife.
Specific History
This fife from the period of the American Revolution was unearthed on Red Bank battleground in 1800 near the New Jersey Monument.
General History
A fife is a small transverse flute, pitched to B-flat. There are six holes and no keys.
"The drum and fife regulated the Revolutionary War soldier's life. By commands of music, the soldier was notified when to awake in the mornings, when to attend drill, when to stop for meals, and when to report for pay. While on the march, music assisted with cadence and order, helping men to march in time. Music encouraged soldiers to press a march or attack with vigor."
"Orders were also given using whistles, blowing horns, and bagpipes. Music and songs in camp lifted soldiers' spirits following exhausting duty. They helped build fellowship in the regiments."
"Drums have been used to convey commands since ancient times. They provide distinct sounds that can be heard for great distances. The drum was the very voice and tongue of the commander. After the adoption of firearms, the fife came into use. Its peculiar piercing sound transcended the noise of men and gunfire, and added melody to the drumbeats. By the Revolution, armies had adopted a system of commands given by the drum and fife, which could rapidly communicate orders to whole armies at one time."
From National Park Service Collections American Revolutionary War: Guilford Courthouse.
ID Number
AF.58146M
catalog number
58146M
accession number
204703
Object Name
Fife
Physical Description
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 1/2 in x 14 in x 1/2 in; 1.27 cm x 35.56 cm x 1.27 cm
used
United States: New Jersey
See more items in
Military and Society: Armed Forces History, Military
Music & Musical Instruments
Military
Exhibition
Price of Freedom
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
related event
Revolution and the New Nation
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_440935