Musical InstrumentsChordophone-Lyre-pluckedearly 20th CenturyTom is a chordophone-lyre-plucked of Shilluk (Colo)? origin created in early 20th Century using wood, hide, wire, rope measuring Overall: W. 40.7 x D. 17.2 x L. 75.5cm (16 x 6 3/4 x 29… — now part of the Musical Instruments collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About This Artwork
| Medium | Wood, hide, wire, rope |
| Dimensions | Overall: W. 40.7 x D. 17.2 x L. 75.5cm (16 x 6 3/4 x 29 3/4in.) |
| Classification | Chordophone-Lyre-plucked |
| Department | Musical Instruments |
| Credit Line | Purchase, Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher M. Brown III Gift, and Crosby Brown Collection, by exchange, 1990 |
| Date | early 20th Century |
Historical Context
Culture & Period
This work belongs to the Shilluk (Colo)? culture. The estimated date range is 1890 – 1950.
Geography
Origin: Sudan. 
Frequently Asked Questions
What department houses Tom?
Tom is housed in the Musical Instruments department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
When was Tom created?
Tom dates to early 20th Century.
What material is Tom made from?
Tom is crafted from wood, hide, wire, rope.
Where does Tom originate?
Tom originates from Sudan (Shilluk (Colo)? culture).
Is Tom in the public domain?
Tom 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