Kashubian Girl with a Traditional Instrument: Devil's Fiddle
The “Devil’s Fiddle” (Kashubian: diabelské skrzëpce; Polish: diabelskie skrzypce) is a traditional instrument of the Kashubian people, an Indigenous Lechitic ethnic group of Northern Poland.
Although its name suggests a string instrument, it's neither a fiddle nor a violin. Instead, it consists of a tall wooden staff crowned with a carved demonic head and adorned with ribbons, bells, and other small sound-making elements. A metal plate or spring is typically attached at the base. The player strikes the staff against the ground or shakes it to produce rhythmic sounds, making it primarily a percussion instrument used to accompany dancing and singing.
Historically, Kashubians used the instrument in ritual contexts to ward off evil spirits and protect against the evil eye. Today, it's most often performed by Kashubian folk ensembles. The instrument remains closely connected to Kashubian cultural traditions, particularly in the region around Gdansk in historic Pomerania.
