Animal products are used in the crafting of violins and other string instruments. Hide glue holds together the various parts of a violin and bow. Abalone shells are used for the jewels on the frog of the bow. A leather grip helps us hold the bow more comfortably. Until fairly recently, elephant tusk ivory was used for the tip of the bow. However, the most obvious animal product still in use is the hair from a horse’s tail.
Bow hair is usually harvested at slaughter. Fortunately, there is a growing movement among violin and bow makers to put an end to the suffering of animals for the exploitation of their biological materials. Musical instruments made from parts of an animal’s body are also used in shamanic sacred ceremonies. The belief is that in this way, the animal is given its voice back.
This is a spiritual gift for violinists and their listeners. Try visualizing a beautiful horse galloping with the wind billowing through the long strands of his tail hair. As you play your beautiful violin music, the horse’s spirit lives on. You are giving horse’s spirit new life. Your violin music soothes, heals and inspires your audience. Your own spirit is fulfilled so that you can pick up your violin to play, yet, another day.
The Inspiration for Violinists card deck
This “Horse Spirit” card is part of a 50 card deck. Every card has a unique image and text inspiring musicianship, mindfulness and spirituality.