Kwitra

The Kwitra (also kouitra and quitra); Arabic الكوترة or عود أندلسي (literally Andalusian Oud); is an Algerian stringed instrument, sometimes referred to as the Algerian lute.[1] The literal meaning of Kwitra in Algerian Arabic (and possibly in the extinct Andalusian Arabic) is "small guitar". It is a regional instrument in the Lute family of instruments, related to Italian chitarra.[2][3]

Kwitra
Kwitra
String instrument
Other namesKouitra, Quitra, Quwytara.
Classification String instrument
Hornbostel–Sachs classification
(Composite chordophone)
Related instruments
Oud, Mandolin, Mandolute

Similarly to the Tunisian Oud, It has 8 strings in 4 courses. It is tuned G3 G3, E4 E4, A3 A3, D4 D4. The traditional strings are made of animal intestines. They usually have a carved soundhole in the shape of a bowl or vase.

  • Kwitra
  • Kwitra in the Met museum, USA

See also
See also: Lute § History and evolution of the lute

References
  1. Simon, Broughton & Mark, Ellingham. (2006). The Rough Guide to World Music: Africa & Middle East. Rough Guides. p. 254.
  2. "ATLAS of Plucked Instruments - Africa". Retrieved 10 March 2012.
  3. "La famille du Oud". Retrieved 10 March 2012.

Media related to Kwitra at Wikimedia Commons

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