Tambourine
Date1900-1930 ca.
Place MadeUnited States, North America
Serial No.None
SignedWritten in black ink on inside of frame, M. I. P.DescriptionTambourines are a common percussion accessory that have been widely used since the late 19th century, distributed by musical instrument manufacturers or mail-order companies, like Montgomery Ward or Sears, Roebuck, & Company. Wood, red-painted frame and hide head. Head attached to frame via sixteen iron tacks. Thirteen pairs of iron jingles mounted through slits in frame. Matted, wool cloth on top of head, attached at corners via twisted, cotton strings. On cloth is a printed design in red, white, blue, brown, and dark green colors. Tied through finger hole is a braided, light tan colored, cotton cord. There are 48 stars here, the official flag of the United States from 1912 to 1959, reminding us that our country can grow and change.DimensionsInches Millimeters
Height 1 – 3/4 43.9
Width 9 – 9/16 242ProvenancePurchased by previous owner from the Blue Knights Flea Market, St. Paul, Minnesota.Published ReferencesArianna Van Kley and Michael Suing. _Of Thee I Sing: Origin, Heritage, and Patriotism_. National Music Museum, 2026: 80-81.
Credit LinePaul and Jean Christian Collection, 2006
Object number11192
On View
On view
