The banjo is a stringed instrument that can be found throughout the history of the United States. Arriving in the U.S. via Africa, the gourd banjo was used by slaves on plantations. As the construction of the banjo evolved over the centuries, changing its appearance and sound, its use in society changed as well. The first row of pictures below show historical paintings and photographs of the banjo in use; the second row of pictures show Paul Sedgwick, a musician and banjo builder, with some of his creations and costumes.

A painting called "The Old Plantation" showing slaves dancing and playing music. Can you find the gourd banjo?	A minstrel playing the banjo in a clown costume.	The Men's Banjo Club, from the late 1800s. How many banjos are in this picture?
Paul with a gourd banjo he made. Click here for a close-up of the gourd banjo.	Paul with a homemade minstrel banjo. Click here for a close-up of the minstrel banjo.	Paul wearing period costume and playing a banjo from the late 1800s.