Banjo 1854 - 1864

This banjo was made by Hercules McCord, an American instrument maker who died in 1890. The banjo's design and construction speak volumes about cultural exchange and adaptation in America. Originating from African instruments, the banjo was embraced by enslaved people in the Americas and later became a significant part of American folk music. By McCord's time, it had crossed racial and class lines, finding popularity in minstrel shows, parlor music, and early jazz. Considering its socio-political context, the banjo's history is complex. It represents both the resilience and cultural contributions of African Americans, as well as its appropriation and exploitation within the entertainment industry. This instrument stands as a reminder of music's power to reflect and shape social dynamics. To fully understand the banjo's story, we can turn to historical archives, musical scores, and recordings. By studying these sources, we gain insight into how the banjo has shaped, and been shaped by, American culture.