Jíbaro Guitar

Unknown

late 19th Century · Wood · Musical Instruments

This rare guitar and a tiple in a private collection are the only known 19th-century Puerto Rican stringed instruments to survive. This jíbaro (country) guitar reflects the shape of the bordonúa and maintains similar construction. Unlike the bordonúa, small thorns attach the top to the hollowed body like tacks used on earlier Spanish models, and it has only five gut strings. Designs, reminiscent of African textiles, are carved and incised on the guitar's body.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 19th Century

Medium

Wood

Culture

Puerto Rican

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Gift of Mrs. E. N. Vanderpoel, 1915