Psalmodikon
Alternate name(s)
- Bowed box zither
Date1840-1860 ca.
Place MadeNorway, Europe
Serial No.none
SignedHandwritten on backside, opposite peg: M.D. / 18.8.5MarkingsWritten in black ink, on the instrument, next to the fretboard: 5 6 7 (each of these numbers has a line over it) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 / (treble clef staff with chromatic musical notes g to a'')
DescriptionPsalmodikon is the vernacular name in Norwegian and Swedish. Norwegian tradition for psalmodikon practice utilizes the transposition stick or rule, placed above the fretboard to facilitate use in various keys for an array of singing situations. Unlike the Norwegian tradition, Swedish instruments typically do not use the transposition stick, and therefore, the brackets for holding, as well as the wear marks for use of, are not present.
DimensionsLength: 908 mm (35.75 in)
Width: 89 mm (3.5 in)
Height: 39 mm (1.5 in)
ProvenanceArne B. Larson Collection, Vermillion, South Dakota, 1979.
Published ReferencesAndré P. Larson, "Gallery I Nears Completion – Displays American Musical Instruments," Shrine to Music Museum Newsletter 2, No. 1 (April 1975), p. 2.
Credit LineArne B. Larson Collection, 1979
Object number01137
On View
Not on view
1875-1900 ca.
1790-1850 ca.
1970-1973 ca.