Sarangi (Musical Instrument)

Stringed musical instrument. Carved from dark wood, unpainted. Body is flat on top and rounded underneath. The lower half of the top is covered with skin (like a drum) and the upper half is open. 4 wire strings, wooden pegs. One loose wooden piece (bridge?). A cotton strap is threaded through a hole in the neck (carrying strap?). Bow is attached by a string. Bow is made from bamboo stick, with horsehair attached to each end.

Collector's Note: Collected in the hills around Pokhara. Sarangi, an instrument played by the Gaines (musicians caste) is made with Khirra woods and a goat skin base. The bow is made with goat intestine unless a parachute strings are bought. Articles and photos relating to the Sarangi and Gaine may be found in National Anthropological Archives, John Hitchcock Collection, Box 13, folder "Gaine of Nepal"

11 Jul 2023

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