Rebec 1850 - 1900

This is a rebec, a stringed instrument made by T. Maurouoff. The rebec is a medieval instrument. During this period in Europe, music was heavily influenced by the church, and instruments like the rebec were used to accompany religious services. But beyond this, rebecs were also played by traveling minstrels and street performers, playing a role in popular entertainment and cultural expression. The shape and design of the rebec is evocative of this social context. While the materials and craftsmanship suggest a level of sophistication, the instrument's portability and versatility speak to its role outside formal, institutional settings. The rebec was accessible across different social strata. To understand the rebec fully, we can consult historical documents, musical treatises, and iconography. These resources can tell us more about music making in the past. Remember, art objects like this one, are embedded in social and institutional contexts.