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Ukulele

human history
  • Other Name

    Ukulele (English)

  • Description

    Ukulele. This is the worn body of a small string instrument. It is made of Koa (Accacia Koa), a native specie to Hawai'i. The strings are no longer present, nor the keys that would normally be found at the top of the fret. There are remnants of a label that featured on the spatulate end of the fret. The top of the fret features a ridge with four grooves where strings would have been placed. Following this, are 12 metal ridges. The fret is a composite to the hollow body.

    The edging of the body is detailed with a fine chevron inlay. Its width tapers out towards the base. Inside the hollow body a paper label features a scene with Diamond head in the background and six people in an wa'a (canoe) paddling to shore with the words, "It's a Hawaiian Ukulele, Genuine Koa made in Hawaii". The circular opening of the body is detailed with a matching chevron inlay. The Ukulele is mid brown in colour with a polished surface.

  • Place
  • Accession Number
    1987.121
  • Accession Date
    15 May 1987
  • Other Id

    52450 (ethnology)

  • Department
Ukulele, 1987.121, 52450, Photographed by Denise Baynham,… … Read more

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