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Mid-20th Century Nepalese Sarangi Beggars Fiddle

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Music Memorabilia Start Price:75.00 USD Estimated At:150.00 - 300.00 USD
Mid-20th Century Nepalese Sarangi Beggars Fiddle
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD IN “AS IS” CONDITION, WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. THE ITEMS OFFERED WERE ALL COLLECTED FOR THEIR DISPLAYABILITY, AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE IN WORKING CONDITION. Please call us at (818) 937-9399 or email us at blacksparrowauctions@gmail.com for condition reports or any general inquiry.
The Sarangi is a folk Nepalese string instrument. Traditionally, in Nepal, the Sarangi was only played by people of Gandarva or Gaine cast, who sing narrative tales and folk songs. The Nepali Sarangi is made of a single piece of wood having a neck and hollowed out body. The body is carved into a hollow frame with two openings. The lower opening is then covered up with dried sheep-skin. The original strings were made out of sheep intestine. The village people allotted intestines of sheep, sacrificed during major festivals like Dasain, to the Gandarvas. The Gandarvas left the intestine in a pot for some days. Once the meat was fully rotten, it was pulled out, leaving behind the fine nerves of the intestine which were then woven to get the strings, which produced fine quality sound. The Sarangi has four strings and is played with a horse hair bow. The Sarangi's neck is fretless and the bridge is seated on a skin stretched over the body of the instrument. Different notes are made by touching the strings with the nail of fingers of the left hand. This Sarangi is most likely over 50 to 60 years old. Measures 3.25" x 16". Strings no longer attached and 3 wooden pegs are missing. Otherwise, in good condition. From the collection of Ken McMeans. 20% of the proceeds will benefit the Jeremy Wilson Foundation.