Post History

Why are lute-like instruments found in so many cultures?

Instruments with parallel strings, a resonating body, and a neck over which the strings are stretched appear in many cultures. The oud is an Arabic instrument, from which the European lute developed. The guitar may have a separate origin. The banjo has West African origins. China has the erhu, and Japan has the shamisen. However, I can't find any mention of an equivalent in native North or South American culture prior to European influence.

Stringed instruments without a neck, such as lyres and harps, are a separate category. They're undoubtedly older, with the musical bow as their first ancestor.

Did similar ideas occur to musicians in many places, or do they have a common origin? Possible candidates for the common ancestor include the Indian Ravanastron or Ravanahatha and the Arabic rabab.