Thailand
Thai

Wood, coconut shell, cloth, hide, horse hair, steel strings
Mid 20th century
Length: 33.5 in, Width: 5.5 in, Depth: 6.5 in
Chordophones – Lutes

The saw u (saw ou) is a Thailand bowed two-string spiked fiddle. It first appeared possibly during the present Bangkok period (ca.1782) and by the end of the 19^th century was added to the pi phat derk dam ban ensemble that performed in a particular form of theater. This saw u has a sound resonator box made from a coconut shell that is covered on the open front by cowhide. It is held vertically and has two silk strings that are played with a bow. The horse hairs of the bow go between the strings and the player tilts the bow to play each string. The saw u can be played as a solo instrument in some cases but is most often used as the main instrument in ensembles. The decorative finial at the top of the neck above the two pegs is a continuation of the wooden neck, carved into a  dragon head.  Thai mythological dragons bring water, protect temples and are associated with wisdom and longevity.