American Five-String Fretless Banjo

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Object Details

Description

This banjo was made by an unknown maker in North Carolina around 1875-1925. It is a Five-String Fretless Banjo, with a wooden neck and rim. Fragments of an untanned skin (possibly groundhog) head are still nailed to the rim. Although in derelict condition when acquired by the Smithsonian, the deep grooves worn into the fretless neck attest to the many hours of music this instrument gave to its owner.

Location

Currently not on view

date made

1875-1899

ID Number

MI.65.0717

catalog number

65.0717

accession number

258254

Object Name

banjo

Physical Description

wood (overall material)

animal skin (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 32 1/2 in x 10 1/4 in x 2 1/2 in; 82.55 cm x 26.035 cm x 6.35 cm

place made

United States: North Carolina

See more items in

Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments

Music & Musical Instruments

Banjos

Data Source

National Museum of American History

Metadata Usage

CC0

Link to Original Record

https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-4e50-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record ID

nmah_605680