Apache violins have been made with a variety of materials. The most common material used was the dried flower stalk of the Agave (Agave desertii) or Century Plant, which, with its pithy interior, could be hollowed out with relative ease. The bows were made of any flexible wood, which could be bent to shape. Strings for both violins and bows were commonly made of black horsehair. However, contemporary violins sometimes employ synthetic strings, as they are more durable and more readily obtainable. Resin is applied to the bowstring.
Apache violins, on the average, were usually not more than 40 cm long. Examples exist which approach 70 cm in length. Placing the lower end against the chest, stopping the strings with one or more fingers of the left hand, and moving the bow with the right hand play the violins. Songs played on these violins include ceremonial songs, social dance songs, love songs, corn beer (tulpai) drinking songs or free improvisations for one's own violin. Violins are readily adaptable to Apache music, which contains numerous quartertones. Often these nuances are not ascertainable to the untrained ear.
There are numerous theories as to the origin of the violin. It is likely an ancient instrument insofar as Apaches go. Nearly every home used to have one. The Yakutat Tlingit, Athabascan relatives of the Apache, is alleged to have had such an instrument, although no actual instrument has been (as yet) found. According to a few people from the Orient with whom we have spoken, such an instrument can be found there (or an instrument quite similar to it). Morris Opler writes that the Apache violin most certainly is an adaptation of the Spanish article. It seems rather arbitrary to state the Spanish origin with such certainty.
The Apache name for this musical instrument is "Tsii'edo'a'tl" or "wood that sings." Apaches as “Ki’zh-kizk-di’hi,” or “buzz sound” also refer it to. Apaches prefer to term "violin" to the term "fiddle." The term "fiddle" is deemed to be slightly deprecating.
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