The Birth of the Banjo: Katonah Museum of Art, November 9, 2003-February 1, 2004

The exhibition traced the history of the early banjo from its African roots to the blackface minstrel shows of the 1840s and 50s, and finally, to its mass production after the Civil War. Images of pre-banjo instruments from Africa, as well as American handmade banjos, are presented in the comprehensive catalogue, along with paintings, period photographs, and sheet music covers. Pictured in the publication are also toys, ceramic figurines, ephemera, and commercial art in which the banjo can be seen. The handsome catalogue contains five essays by scholars on different aspects of the instrument. (limited stock) 35 illustrations. 56 pp.