Musical InstrumentsChordophonelate 19th–early 20th centuryEktār is a chordophone of Indian origin created in late 19th–early 20th century using wood, parchment — now part of the Musical Instruments collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About This Artwork
| Medium | Wood, parchment |
| Classification | Chordophone |
| Department | Musical Instruments |
| Credit Line | The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889 |
| Date | late 19th–early 20th century |
Historical Context
Culture & Period
This work belongs to the Indian culture. The estimated date range is 1870 – 1910.
Geography
Origin: India. 
Frequently Asked Questions
What department houses Ektār?
Ektār is housed in the Musical Instruments department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
When was Ektār created?
Ektār dates to late 19th–early 20th century.
What material is Ektār made from?
Ektār is crafted from wood, parchment.
Where does Ektār originate?
Ektār originates from India (Indian culture).
Is Ektār in the public domain?
Ektār is not in the public domain; rights and reproduction restrictions may apply.
Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026