Apache People / Arizona or New Mexico
Maker unknown

Yucca stalk, sinew, pigment, leather, wood, horse hair
ca.  19th century
Length: 15.5 in; Diameter: 1.5 in; Peg length: 6.5 in / Painted Bow Length: 13 in
Chordophones – Zither – Bowed 

The Apache “Tsii’edo’a’tl ” (Apache for “wood that sings”) is often referred to as an Apache fiddle.  It is also called ki’zh ki’zh di’hi (buzz buzz sound), which fairly describes its musical properties. This is actually a painted bowed zither with a wooden body pierced by one peg that tunes a single gut string.  There are two sinew bridges, one at the bottom and one at the top where the string attaches to the peg inside.  It is played with a bow and held against the chest or stomach.  The “tsii’edo’a’tl ” appeared after the Spaniards entered the region, as no other string instruments have been identified prior.  It is used for entertainment and played to accompany singing and dancing.  The provenance indicated on the inside bottom tag states:  “Merlin   17a.” 

This Apache fiddle with painted bow displays geometric designs painted in red and green.   At each end and spaced out two times are sinew wrappings to support  the zither.  Triangular cuts in the center serve as resonator openings.