Apache People / Arizona or New Mexico
Maker unknown

Yucca stalk, sinew, pigment, leather, wood
ca. mid 20th century
Length: 13.75 in; Diameter: 3 in; tuning peg length: 6 in
Bow length: 8.38 in
Chordophones – Zither – Bowed 

The Apache “tsii’edo’a’tl” (“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 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 that it came from the Southern Athabaskan languages or “Apachean.”

This Apache fiddle with bow displays geometric designs painted in red and black outlining and emphasizing the four small circular resonator holes and one large circular hole in the center.  At each end is leather wrapping and ties.