Renaissance Ivory Lute - Image 4

The back of this Renaissance lute is made up of 13 ivory ribs separated by ivory stringing and reinforced on the interior with parchment strips. A capping strip covers the ribs at the lower end of the body. The wooden neck and pegbox are covered with ivory veneer. Ivory instruments made during the medieval, renaissance, and baroque periods were beautiful luxuries, typically made only for the nobility and other wealthy families; however, their acoustic qualities and repair characteristics are today often considered inferior to wood.