Apache People / Arizona or New Mexico
Maker unknown

Yucca stalk, horsehair, pigment, wood
ca. 19th century
Length: 15 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 string.  There is one bridge 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”