Güiro
Güiro
Usage conditions apply
- Description
- A traditional güiro is made from gourd-like fruit of the higüero tree (Crescentia cujete) that is native to the region. This musical instrument, common throughout the Caribbean, takes on various forms and can be made from modern materials like metal or plastic. A musical instrument of Pre-Columbian origin, it is played by scraping the carved ridges with the tines of a special pick or scraper.
- Description (Spanish)
- El güiro tradicional se hace con la calabaza del higüero, Crescentia cujete, que es un árbol nativo de la región. Este instrumento musical, común a todo el Caribe, se presenta de distintas formas y materiales, como de metal o plástico. Sus orígenes se remontan a la época precolombina. Se ejecuta raspando las ranuras talladas con las puntas de un puyero o raspador.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- güiro
- Date made
- 20th century
- Place Made
- Puerto Rico
- Physical Description
- gourd (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 40.7 cm x 10.2 cm x 10.3 cm; 16 in x 4 in x 4 1/16 in
- ID Number
- 1997.0097.1077
- accession number
- 1997.0097
- catalog number
- 1997.0097.1077
- Credit Line
- Gift of Teodoro Vidal
- subject
- Puerto Rico
- See more items in
- Home and Community Life: Ethnic
- Music & Musical Instruments
- Cultures & Communities
- Vidal
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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