Tibet
Tibetans

Wood, silver, cord fiber
Early-Mid 20th century
Length: 26.75 in, Width: 5.75 in, Depth: 5 in
Chordophones – Lutes

This Tibetan sgra-snyan is a waisted unfretted long-neck lute from Tibet.  It is plated with intricate engraved silver designs on the neck, back, head, and body depicting scenes of nature with flora and fauna, including a figure on the back sitting in a garden. There are six strings with six lateral wooden tuning pegs, and the twin wooden carved resonator chambers are covered with goat skin. The head depicts an actual anthropomorphic head, with carved eyes, nose, and an open mouth. The sgra-snyan is played with a plectrum or finger-plucked and is used to accompany secular dances and songs as well as narratives.