Lute

Rubab (Rabab) - B

Afghanistan
Afghanistan

Trunk made of Mulberry tree, goat skin, nylon strings, with ebony and bone inlay
19th century

The rubab (rabab) is a short-necked double-chambered plucked lute of Afghanistan. It is a predecessor of the sarod (Hindustani music), when in the 18th century, Afghanistan musicians migrated into south India. It is used in traditional folk music both to accompany songs and as a melody instrument. The performer sits cross-legged and holds the instrument at a horizontal angle across their lap. The hollow double sound-chambers are connected by a narrow-indented tunnel. The three melody strings, tuned in fourths, are made of gut or nylon. This rubab is smaller in size and has few sympathetic string (9), with 3 steel drone strings, tuned in 5ths.

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© Hartenberger World Music Collection