Banjo, circa 1870

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Artifact Overview

This iconic American instrument had its roots in the stringed instruments played by free and enslaved African Americans living in colonial America. By the 1890s, the banjo was firmly ensconced into American popular culture.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Banjo

Date Made

circa 1870

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

36.391.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Mahogany (Wood)
Rosewood (Wood)
Vellum (Paper)
Brass (Alloy)
Metal

Dimensions

Length: 26 in (instrument)
Diameter: 9.625 in (instrument)
Length: 36.811 in (case)
width: 12 in (case)

Inscriptions

Henry C. Dobson's Patent July 16, 1867
Banjo, circa 1870