The object that I chose is called a Vihuela from the Mexican culture. The vihuela although looks exactly like a guitar it does have its differences. The back of the instrument has a rounded shape almost like a mountain and is smaller then a traditional Guitar. This guitar is used all over Mexican music mostly used in Mariachis which is a group of musicians or a trio which is just three musicians that are hired for ambience all over the country. The vihuela unlike other instruments does not need a microphone nor anything to amplify its sound to make it loud the hollow inside was designed to play in public at parks, restaurants, or simply get togethers. My father, a musician, brought this guitar with him when he immigrated from Mexico to Texas where he lived there for 6 years and then also brought it with him all the way to Missouri to keep his culture with him in this object. Carrying this instrument and playing it in the states shows how the American experience is just a blend of many different cultures. The vihuela makes my family different from others by reminding us of our musical talents that come from  Mexico. 

– LY

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant