Viola da gamba

Viols like this example are stringed musical instruments with frets, also called viola da gamba. These types of instruments were particularly used during the Renaissance period. This viola is made of maple, while the belly is made of pine and it is covered with warm brown varnish. The back is made of two pieces and it has no purfling. Like violins, this viol has f shaped sound holes.The maker is unknown.This viola is part of the Mounsey-Heysham bequest.