This instrument is an excellent example of the traditional Nepalese instrument, the sarangi. It is the first instrument from Nepal to be acquired into the Powerhouse Museum's collection and helps to inform about the broad use of bowed string instruments across a variety of cultures. It also provides a link between other bowed string instruments in the collection that have a fundamental similarity in the way they are played. These include a variety of violins through to instruments such as the Jinghu (7941) and Banhu (H3297) from China and the Haegum (2000/104/9) from Korea. However, unlike the violin the Nepalese sarangi does not have its strings pressed down onto the fingerboard to pitch notes. Instead the side of the string is touched by the player's fingernail at various places along the string length and then bowed to make a sound. A variety of rhythms are also played by plucking the strings with the hand that fingers the neck to replicate drum beats.

Importantly the sarangi reflects the Nepalese community living within Australia and acknowledges a part of the cultural traditions of their nation. The instrument was donated by its owner to the Powerhouse Museum as an expression of thanks for his time studying in Australia and in recognition of the traditional makers and players of this instrument in Nepal, the Gandharba.

Michael Lea
Curator, music and musical instruments
December 2011.

The maker of the sarangi is unknown, but it was made by a member of the Gandharba people of Nepal between 2000-2004.

The original tuning pegs, which were slipping, were replaced with tighter pegs by one of the Gandharba for the owner. Gandharba traditionally sell these instruments while travelling from town to town in Nepal spreading news through songs and music. Traditionally horse hair is used for the bow, however this sarangi bow has strands of nylon fishing line to form the hair.

Originally bought in Kathmandu, Nepal, from one of the Gandharba in about 2005. The owner (a Nepali but not a Gandharba) learned to play this sarangi by going to a Gandharba village, Gotheri (Naya basti) in the Tanahu District of Western Nepal, and being taught the instrument. The owner learned some traditional tunes rather than any ceremonial or ritual music.

The Gandharba traditionally travelled through Nepal bringing music and news in the form of song. They originally came in to Nepal from areas in northern India bringing the sarangi with them. The instrument in Nepal remained in its current form with four strings whereas in India it developed further over the centuries with multiple strings being added.

Sarangi and bow, wood / goat skin / metal / plastic, maker unknown, Nepal, 2000-2004

Nepalese sarangi (bowed string musical instrument) with four strings. The head, neck and body are carved from a single piece of wood. The instrument has an elongated bowl-shaped body with a lower front side, which is partly covered with stretched goat skin for the sound board. The floating bridge fits at an angle on the sound board and is held in place by the tensioned strings. The upper front half of the body is open. At the head of the instrument is a carved hollowed scroll and four wooden tuning pegs. The nut is made from bamboo. The strings include one metal sitar string and three synthetic strings used to string badminton rackets. The bow is made from bamboo with fine strands of nylon fishing line to form the bow hair.

Made: 2000 - 2004

No marks.

2012/16/1

2000 - 2004