Vina (वीणा)

Unknown

late 18th century · jackwood, gold leaf, papier-mâché, bone, steel, brass · Musical Instruments

Having a hollow neck and body, this fretted lute from southern India features a flat bridge against which its strings vibrate to produce a characteristic buzzing sound, called javārī. It also has three tala, or drone strings, that are not fretted. This veena, with a decorative gourd and yali (mythological beast) finial, was used by Y. G. Srimati, an accomplished vocalist and visual artist.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 18th century

Medium

jackwood, gold leaf, papier-mâché, bone, steel, brass

Culture

Indian

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Gift of Michael Pellettieri, in memory of Y. G. Srimati, musician and artist, 2009