Cavaquinho

Pisciform cavaquinho, which integrated the collection gathered by Alfredo Keil.

The cavaquinho is a small viol with four strings of sharp and brilliant timbre (the smallest of Portuguese viols). It is one of the most emblematic musical instruments in Portugal, especially in the region of Minho, but it also appears in other Portuguese geographic areas with slightly different characteristics.

Given its small size it is an easy instrument to carry. Therefore it would reach many points of the globe during the Portuguese exploration journeys. Later, in the 19th century, it would reach Hawaii, carried by Portuguese emigrants originating from Madeira, where it gave rise to the Ukulele.