Leather Strips, Cowrie Shells, and Decorative Inscriptions: A Moroccan Lute at the 1888 Bologna Exhibition

This essay explores the relationship between music and international exhibitions in the late 19th century, focusing on a Moroccan lute displayed at the Mostra Internazionale di Musica in Bologna, held during the 1888 Esposizione Emiliana exhibition. At the heart of this study is a detailed examination of this unique musical instrument within the collection of “extra-European” musical artifacts at the Bologna Expo. The research addresses the lute’s origins, morphological characteristics, decorative elements, and symbolic meanings, which are pivotal to understanding its cultural and ritual context. This analysis reveals the profound connection between the lute and specific musical and spiritual practices of the Gnawa groups in Morocco. By integrating archival and ethnographic research, the essay sheds light on the broader implications of displaying and interpreting non-European musical instruments at the Bologna Exhibition. It emphasizes the importance of considering these artifacts not merely as objects but as carriers of cultural, spiritual, and social significance. The study advocates for an ethnographic approach to the study of musical instruments, highlighting their role in constructing and maintaining cultural identity.