Apache fiddle
The Apache fiddle (Apache: tsii' edo'a'tl, "wood that sings") is a bowed string instrument used by the indigenous Apache people of the southwestern United States. The instrument consists of a plant stalk, such as that of the agave or mescal plant. One or sometimes two strings, often made of horse hair, are secured at both ends of the stalk, a bridge and nut added, and the string is played with a bow resined with pine pitch.
Also recorded as Tsii'edo'a'tl · tsii'edo'a'tl · wood that sings · tsii" edo'a'tl
Apache fiddle
A. Frank Randall · [1] [2] · Public domain
- Field
- musical instrument
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Documentary summary
The Apache fiddle (Apache: tsii' edo'a'tl, "wood that sings") is a bowed string instrument used by the indigenous Apache people of the southwestern United States. The instrument consists of a plant stalk, such as that of the agave or mescal plant. One or sometimes two strings, often made of horse hair, are secured at both ends of the stalk, a bridge and nut added, and the string is played with a bow resined with pine pitch.
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wikidata · Q4778966 · wikipedia · Apache fiddle
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Overview
The string is touched with the fingers to change its note. The Smithsonian Institution holds an Apache fiddle collected in 1875. In 1989 Apache fiddle maker Chesley Goseyun Wilson of Tucson, Arizona won a National Heritage Award. • Illustration — Chasi, a Warm Springs Apache musician playing the Apache fiddle, 1886, photo by A. Frank Randall • Illustration — Arizona Apache fiddle, from the Musical Instrument Museum - Phoenix, Arizona
Apache violin made 1989 by Chesley Goseyun Wilson, San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, Arizona. Exhibit in the National Museum of American History, Washington, DC, USA. Photography was permitted in the museum without restriction.
Daderot
Native American (Apache); Tsii' Edo' Ai; Chordophone-Zither-bowed
Creator:Chappo Geronimo · This file was donated to Wikimedia Commons as part of a project by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. See the Image and Data Resources Open Access Policy
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.
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