overall: 5 1/2 in x 12 3/16 in x 15 in; 13.97 cm x 30.95625 cm x 38.1 cm
Object Name:
rubboard
Place made:
United States: Louisiana, Duson
Date made:
2001
Description (Brief):
<p>This rubboard or vest frottoir was made by Tee Don Landry in Duson, Louisiana, in 2001. It is made of corrugated stainless steel, serial #006. The vest frottoir is worn over the chest and is held in place with two curved arms placed over the shoulders. This instrument is played as a rhythm instrument by rubbing either bottle openers or spoons on the corrugation. There is a maker’s inscription on the back of the frottoir.</p>
<p>According to the donor, the earliest frottoirs were wash boards tied around the neck. This frottoir was made in the same style and process as the donor's father, Willie Landry. Landry, a welder at a refinery is said to have made the first molded rubboard, metal chest plate that fits/hangs above and around the shoulder. His first rubboard was said to have been made for the zydeco musicians, Clifton and Cleveland Chenier in the early 1947.</p>
