Featured Artifact: Playing the Bones

 Last Sunday, I attended a concert by the Antiquity String Band at the Benton County Historical Society's Corvallis Museum. I had a good seat to watch the percussionist, Gregg Gorthy, play a variety of “folk” instruments such as the washboard, an anvil, and spoons.

Antiquity String Band at Corvallis Museum

Antiquity String Band at Corvallis Museum

 In addition, he “played the bones.” That is, he played an instrument like this one from BCHS's collection.

 

 

 

Rhythm sticks "playing the bones"

 

These rhythm sticks have a long history.  Some are depicted on ancient Greek pottery. In early times, they were made of bones, typically ribs. Now they are made of wood given a slight curve, like that of the bones.  The museum's “bones” are made of oak.

The sticks are held between the fingers with the convex sides facing each other. A twist of the wrist causes the stick to knock together.  This type of stick has been used to create a rhythm in many different musical traditions:  Irish and Scottish music, bluegrass, zydeco and others.

The Antiquity String Band will be playing again at the Corvallis Museum on September 11 at 2 with a program of Depression-era music. 

By Martha Fraundorf, Volunteer for Benton County Historical Society, Philomath, Oregon