Women and Musical Instruments

Abstract

IN looking over a very large collection of musical instruments from the aborigines of America, I am surprised to find that there is not one peculiar to women, and that those of the men are never played by the women. It is true that the females beat time on various objects and may now and then use the rattle. This disappointing fact arrested my attention, and I am curious to know whether savage women, or any other women for that matter, have ever invented a musical instrument, and whether in savagery they even play upon those invented by the men. The composition and singing of songs might also be inquired into, though our American savage women do join in certain choruses.