The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Charango

Date:: late 19th century
Geography:: Merida, Yucatan, Mexico
Medium:: Wood, armadillo shell
Dimensions:: L. 85.2 x W. upper bout 17.5 x W. lower bout 25.4 x D. 11.4cm (33 9/16 x 6 7/8 x 10 x 4 1/2in.)
Classification:: Chordophone-Lute
Credit Line:: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
Accession Number:: 89.4.2881

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 683

Description

A dried armadillo shell is molded to shape the back of this guitar in imitation of a charango or Jarana.
Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Marking: Paper label glued inside: FABRICA DE GUITARRAS / ESTABLECIDA EN 1860. / [woodcut of guitar grouped with various other instruments and open music book] / MARCOS OIB [sic] / 5a. Calle de Barrera, / MEDIA CUADRA DE / "Los dos Camellos." / Merida - Yucatan
References

Catalogue of the Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments: Oceanica and America. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York, 1913, vol. II, pg. 194, ill.
See also
Who
Marcos Manufactory (1)
What
Musical instruments (5,241)

Chordophones (1,444)

Shell (1,385)

Lutes (698)

Charangos (3)
Where
North and Central America (83,077)

Mexico (1,979)

Yucatán (8)
When
A.D. 1800-1900 (80,790)
In the Museum
Musical Instruments (5,221)
Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Mexico and Central America: Native Peoples, 1800–1900 A.D.

Mexico and Central America, 1800–1900 A.D.