Played on ships bound for colonies in the New Word, at weddings and festive gatherings in colonial New England and later as American settled the south at plantations. This was a popular musical addition to street bands, and minstrel shows. They date back to medieval England and were a big part of the theater culture that was emerging during the time Shakespeare was writing and performing. Stephen Foster included them in his music. Ours are crafted from native Vermont hardwoods. Comes with instructions.