Tsii' Edo' Ai
ca. 1887
Medium
Wood; sinew, horsehair, polychrome
Dimensions
a) Body: L.15 1/2 × Diam. 3 in. (39.4 × 7.6 cm); b) bow: L. 17 in. (43.2 cm)
Classification
Chordophone-Zither-bowed
Culture
Native American (Apache)
Department
Musical Instruments
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
Accession Number
89.4.600a, b
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments *Tsii' Edo' Ai* (ca. 1887) is a captivating Apache bowed zither crafted by artisan Lawrence Gotelay. This American chordophone exemplifies the ingenuity of Apache musical traditions, where instruments like this served both ceremonial and social purposes, blending functionality with artistic expression. Dating to the late 19th century, it reflects a pivotal era when Apache communities maintained cultural practices amid rapid change from U.S. expansion. The instrument features a wooden body measuring 15½ ...