Su Trimpanu – Boes & Merdules

Original acrylic on canvas 12″ x 12″.

“Su trimpanu” is a traditional Sardinian musical instrument, very ancient, made up of a cork cylinder, later replaced by large tin cans. A tightly stretched leather membrane is fixed over the top of the cylinder and secured with string.

A thin cord covered with pitch is fixed to the center of the membrane from the inside of the cylinder with two leather disks. Holding the cord firmly between your fingers and sliding it through the membrane, the latter vibrates producing a gloomy, low sound.

In reality, if it does not seem particularly annoying to man, it is very irritating for horses, who suddenly feel frightened, soar, and disarm those who ride them or run away very quickly.

Precisely for this reason ‘Su trimpanu’ was used by the thugs and fugitives hunted by the Carabinieri, to scare the horses of the military and be able to escape. So for a long time the use of this musical instrument was prohibited by law.

Giclée Fine Art print available.

Any questions? Please contact me.

$25.00 – $2,500.00

Sold By

Pierangela Garau