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Vielle à Roue (Hurdy-Gurdy)

1865–70
(French, 1808–1884)
France
Wood; mother-of-pearl inlay
Gift of Clara Taplin Rankin 2020.422
Location: not on view
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Did You Know?

This vielle à roue was made in the French village of Jenzat, which was the manufacturing center for hurdy-gurdies during the 19th century.

Description

In France, the hurdy-gurdy is known as the vielle à roue (wheel fiddle). This six-stringed musical instrument produces sound by a hand crank-turned wheel that rubs against the strings. The wheel functions much like a violin bow, and single notes sound similar to those of a violin. Melodies are played on a keyboard that presses small wedges against the strings to change their pitch.
Vielle à Roue (Hurdy-Gurdy)

Vielle à Roue (Hurdy-Gurdy)

1865–70

Jacques Decante

(French, 1808–1884)
France

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