Name/Title
Cigar Box GuitarEntry/Object ID
1998.1.2Description
In 1800's America, musical instruments were expensive to the average person, but creative folks taught themselves to build their own. Because of the popularity of cigars, these small wooden boxes were plentiful in many households and creative folks started using them for instruments. Because cigar box and fiddles were inexpensive to make, they were essential in the rise of blues.
This four-string handmade cigar box guitar was crafted by Blues musician Michael Avery from Alamo, Tennessee. This cigar box seen here would have been similar to the one mad by Sleepy John when he was 12 years old.Location
Building
Last Home of Sleepy John Estes