Shashtar
6-stringed Şeştar shown in mural in Chehel Sotoun. | |
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Sheshtar, Shashtay, Şeştar, Sheshtay |
| Classification | String instrument |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | (Composite chordophone) |
| Developed | Ancient Persia or Central Asia |
The Shashtar, Sheshtar or Shashtay (probably from Persian Şaş-tar or Şeş-tar, ششتار or ششتار, lit. 'six-string', 'having six strings') is a stringed musical instrument of the lute family. It was mentioned historically by Evliya Çelebi and Abd al-Qadir Maraghi. It is or was played in Iran/Persia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and elsewhere. It may have been developed during the Safavid dynasty from the tambur. Like the tambur, it has a floating bridge and a wooden soundboard (not skin like the rubab etc). The 6 gut strings were in 3 double courses, and thus it may be a forerunner of the Tar.