Rebab
The term rebab refers to chordophones, particularly lutes and lyres, found in Islamic and Islamic-influenced lands. In North Africa, where this example is from, the rebab is most often a boat-shaped, two-string fiddle without frets. It is held across the player's body, with the pegbox against the left shoulder and the tailpiece on the right knee, and is played with a bow. The rebab is never played alone, and is used only to accompany singing. This instrument has been decorated with a delicate ivory inlay, in patterns reminiscent of other decorative objects of the same period from Algeria. The design on the back is reminiscent of a dolphine, symbol of good luck.
Artwork Details
- Title: Rebab
- Date: late 19th century
- Geography: Algeria or Morocco
- Culture: Algerian or Moroccan
- Medium: Wood, parchment, metal
- Dimensions: Height: 29 1/2 in. (74.9 cm)
- Classification: Chordophone-Lute-bowed-unfretted
- Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
- Object Number: 89.4.403
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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