The Hardanger fiddle originated in southwest Norway, with the earliest known fiddle dating back to 1651. This first known Hardanger fiddle featured only six strings altogether, and was created by Ole Jonsen Jaastad of Hardanger, Norway. The fiddles varied in sound and design according to the region of Norway in which

they were created. Originally the instrument had

a rounder, narrower body. Around 1850, the

modern layout with a body much like a

violin became the norm.

The Hardingfele, in modern designs, is used

mainly in the southwest part of Norway,

whereas the ordinary violin, called ‘flatfele’

(flat fiddle), or ‘vanlig fele’ (common fiddle)

is found elsewhere. The Hardingfele is the

principal dance instrument, and is accompanied

by rhythmic loud foot stomping. It was also

traditional for the fiddler to lead the bridal

procession to the church at many weddings.

The instrument often is highly decorated, with a carved head of an animal (usually a lion or dragon) or the head of a maiden, extensive mother of pearl inlay on the tailpiece and fingerboard, and black ink decorations called ‘rosing’ on the body of the instrument.