Gitar/string instrument

Museum number: UEM183

Material: Coconut, fish skin, unknown fibre, vegetal material 

Region and culture: Unknown origin. Registered  New Zealand in the museum database, but this might possible be incorrect.

Description: Although the catalogue text states that this instrument derives from New Zealand, this has to be incorrect. Most likely can the whole of Polynesia be excluded as possible place of origin. It may be an ancient Indian musical instrument known as Agappai kinnari. The object appear to be a guitar made from coconut and fish skin. Two strings are attached to the bamboo stem that crosses over the soundbase. There are four holes on the bottom of the soundbase. Production date and place of origin is unknown.  

Place of origin is unknown. The instrument was collected by Fredrik Ring when he was a tradesman in Valparaiso, Chile during the 1820s. Konsul Ring donated the object to the Ethnographic Museum in 1833.