Gusle

Unknown

ca. 1930 · Wood, horsehair string · Musical Instruments

This single-stringed instrument usually has a horse-head finial, but nationalistic emblems and medallions of political figures may also be featured. Within the oval medallions here are portraits of kings Alexander I of Serbia, Nikola I of Montenegro, and Peter I of Serbia. The gusle is held upright between the knees to accompany singing, particularly of epic poetry.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1930

Medium

Wood, horsehair string

Culture

Serbian

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Purchase, Clara Mertens Bequest, in memory of André Mertens, 1992