On a Sunday afternoon early one summer a group of Alex’s friends gathered to celebrate his 87th birthday. We had planned a party near his actual birth date in January, but weather conditions had caused us to postpone it two or three times. After we’d had the noon meal under the shade trees in his yard, several of us played some old-time tunes on our stringed instruments, much to Alex’s delight. He disappeared into the house and soon reappeared with a mouth bow.
He joined us and was soon following along as if we’d always played together. Several people expressed a great deal of interest in this unusual instrument, and Alex promised half the crowd of nearly 100 people that he’d make them a mouth bow. When I next visited him he had a dozen of the finished instruments standing in a corner of his room.
Alex, in my many years of traveling thorugh the Appalachian Mountains talking with thousands of old timers, I’ve only known two other men who could play the mouth bow. I’ve tried to learn about its history but have had little success. What can you tell me about it?
“Grandpap Stewart learnt me to make them when I was just small. He was getting out some cedar timber to make some churns one day, and he rived off a big splinger but it was too thin to make a stave. I was setting right on the end of the bench from him, and he picked it up and said, ‘Hebbins, I’ll make you a purty out of that.’ And he made a bow. He went in the house and got a flax and tow string to put on it, and took English resin and rubbed the string and showed me how to play it. I soon caught on. The sound comes from your mouth, and in order to play a tune you’ve got to work your mouth right. I could shore play back yonder, but I’ve lost my teeth and I can’t play half so good.
“Grandpap said he learned that from the Indians. Said they would set around of a night and play music on their hunting bows. They’d put one end in their mouth and pluck the string and they’d get a tune on them. Sort of like playing the Jew’s harp.”
—Alex Stewart Portrait of a Pioneer written by John Rice Irwin
Today’s Thankful November giveaway is a used copy of Alex Stewart Portrait of a Pioneer written by John Rice Irwin. To be entered in the giveaway leave a comment on this post. Giveaway ends December 6, 2025.
Tipper
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I would love to see a mouth bow. I have never heard of this instrument.
I’ve never heard of this and would love to see and hear it!
I would enjoy seeing someone playing one of these, thank you for sharing this, Tipper.
Never heard of a mouth bow. Neat!
I’ve never heard of that and what an interesting story about it.
I’m so interested about this jew harp!
I don’t believe I have ever heard of a Mouth Bow but will definitely look it up and listen. Thank you Tipper for the giveaway.
How neat! I’ve heard of a Jew’s harp and vaguely remember learning about a mouth bow before…I love how crafty Alex and his grandfather were to make them!
My Daddy and his Mama played the Jew’s Harp. Some folks call it a Juice harp. I took a few lessons on Daddy’s and could play it pretty good but not like Daddy or Mama Warren ( my grandmother.) Daddy also taught me to play a tune by holding a blade of wide grass between my thumbs and blowing thru it. We had such fun as kids. I keep Y’all in my prayers. I love Y’all.
Any book you want to give away I’d be very grateful for it. But if I win one that would really make me extremely happy too. LOL I’m hoping Miss Louzine is feeling much better today. She looked so nice on Thanksgiving. I was one of those that was happy to see her with her family. Prayers for her and for all who sent prayer requests this week. God bless you and Matt for all y’all do to pass these requests on to your viewers. Sure glad you told the grippers who hit a Corie to back off. How awful some people can be. Corie certainly has her right to do as she is led to do. Bless her, Austin and baby Woodrow. Secretly I think you all may be looking to be grandparents again. That’s my wish. Y’all need a sweet baby. Maybe a girl? LOL. Just thinking . Love to all and God bless all of your family, friends and viewers.
I mistakenly thought the mouth bow was one of over a thousand variations on the folk musical instrument widely called, in various materials and forms, a “Jew’s Harp, but I was clearly mistaken. This is from a researcher who has collected more than a thousand names and examples from every corner of the planet:
“Even though there’s something like an “associative sound similarity in overtone use” between the mouth bow and the Jew’s harp, they are completely different instruments with a completely different organology. The Jew’s harp is characterized by a single point of tension, while the mouth bow uses two points of tension. This triggers a completely different tone production.
That’s why I haven’t included the mouth bow in the list of names for the Jew’s harp.
greetings – Phons Bakx”
Had never heard of a mouth bow. Of course i had to look it up. Interesting. Ironically, just a little while ago i was mentally lamenting that the only ones who would know the answers to some questions about yesteryear are dead & gone. If you have any of your elders available, take advantage of it. If possible, record them.
I have several harmonicas that I play at times, and I know what a jews harp is; but I’ve never heard of a mouth bow. Interesting!!
I am thinking the singer, Buffy Ste. Marie used to play the mouth bow. It is a strange sound indeed…kind of twangy.
Linda, you don’t know strange until you google “Mongolian throat singing.”
I got a Jews harp but don’t know how to play it. Interesting
like so many others I have not heard of a mouth bow and found it interesting that Indians use to play music with their bows—only music I have heard from Indians was either from a flute one of them made (one guy I know was a true artist at flute making, I was going to purchase one not to play but just for the pleasure of owning it cause I can not play any instrument…but back in the early eighties he was getting several hundred dollars for a small one and some went into the thousands of dollars-if he were alive today the price of one I am sure would be astronomical) and of course any object a native American could use as a drum is the only other instrument I knew they played (back in the long ago days that is)
Interesting read this morning. Learned something new. So much of the old ways of life have been lost. Even in my family, I wish that the knowledge of my ancestors had continued to be passed down through each generation. Blessings to Wilson holler!
have never heard nor seen one of those. I figured you were probably talking about a Jews harp
I had one when young and broke it.
Ok – when I want to know something I usually GOOGLE. 🙂 and so that’s what I did to find out about the mouth bow – there are a number of videos out there – here is just one link – so many sounds that can come from it depending on the user and their culture – and looks of such an instrument! Thanks again Tipper for ‘teaching’ us all something new!! And hope it’s ok to share this. https://youtu.be/jBlmunFVGuc?si=Jj6D014J2g60la7b
Interesting. Would love to see a picture of the bow.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a mouth bow. I’m off to YouTube to see what I can find about it! Sure would like to read the book. Hope everyone is doing well over in the holler!
Continued prayers for Granny and all of your family.
Also, we got snow in the Kentuckiana region!!
What a great, colorful reading today! Never heard of a bow harp, very interesting.
I’ve heard of a mouth bow before but assumed it was another word for a harmonica. I’ve learned something new today!
Interesting story. I’ve never heard of this instrument. God bless!
Love Alex Stewart.
I recently saw a video from the 1960s of the television show To Tell The Truth and the singer Buffy Saint Marie appeared on it and sang a song giving a demonstration of the mouth bow.
I’ve never heard of such an instrument. It would be wonderful to actually see and hear one.
I find this book just fascinating. I’ve never heard of a mouth bow. It’s amazing how much has been quickly lost from common knowledge.
It surely must take some talent to play the mouth bow. The Indians taught us plenty.
I really enjoy this book!!
Alex Stewart was an interesting and talented man and this book is a real treasure to those who want to study Appalachian culture. Carlock Stooksbury, pictured on the front of John Rice Irwin’s book, Musical Instruments of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, playing a mouth bow, told me his grandfather played one and used the wire from a window screen on his mouth bow. Carlock said when one broke he simply pulled another from the screen. The end of the bow was put against one’s lip, the string plucked with a finger, coin or pick of one’s choosing and the mouth opened and closed as with playing a Jews Harp. I just googled mouth bow and saw other ways of it being played with a stick. I also saw a picture of Alex Stewart playing his mouth bow. No need to include me in the drawing. My comment is only meant to help those asking about the mouth bow.
Thanks for this interesting story! Learned something new today.
Good morning, Tipper and Tipper fans! My dad could play the harmonica in the most amazing way!! Self taught on that instrument, the organ, Piano, and guitar. Two of his brothers and one of his sisters could play piano or guitar, and my dad’s mother played the church organ for 40 years. I can do the piano by ear but no where even close to my talented family members!! So here is yet another chance for a book on Appalachian memoir!! Maybe I’ll get lucky this time. God’s blessings on everyone, but especially on Granny!
There is a mouth bow demo on YouTube by Nick Shoulders.
My ex-husband’s great uncle played the mouth bow. He and his wife were two of the sweetest people, although the were exact opposites. He was outgoing and entertaining with his stories, pranks and playing of the mouth bow. She was quiet and supportive of all around her. We’d stop in for a impromptu visit (back in the 80s) and that would turn into a several hours long stay, which would also include a meal. When Aunt Eileen would go to the basement for a mason jar of her canned peaches, I would get almost giddy with anticipation. Oh, how I loved those visits then and cherish those memories, now. Thanks for this story that stirred up such a happy memory.
I agree with Patty, beautiful Ms. Tipper & Family. I have heard of this instrument, but have not heard it played or maybe I have and just didn’t know it. Great read none the less.
How awesome it was that Granny was able to join you for Thanksgiving. Paul and the green bean story, lol!
As always praying for Granny.
Interesting story. My PawPaw played a mouth bow. He would sit by the fireplace on a cold winter day and play it for the kids. We all loved it. He’s the only person I knew that played one. He’s been dead almost 40 years but I still remember that.
I have heard of this, but I don’t think that I have ever saw one. One of the girls should learn and give a demonstration…….it would be interesting. Can any of your family play the spoons?
None of us have tried but I bet Paul could 🙂
Such a good story. I would love a copy of the book. I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season.
A very interesting story. I will have to research a mouth bow. That’s something I’ve never heard of.
The mouth bow is a new one on this old man. I’ve made mountain music myself and listened to a lot of it, but I had never met the mouth bow until today. I can’t yet picture this instrument in my mind. We made a gut-bucket bass fiddle, played spoons, and used a cardboard box or a chair bottom for a drum. I was the leader of one band, playing a cheap plastic ukelele and singing hymns and cowboy songs. I had learned three chords, in three keys. That seemed to be all we needed.
I must get this book one way or another! Tipper surely you will get your snow this year!!!
can’t say i’ve ever heard of one of those…sounds like an interesting instrument…maybe the deer hunter could learn to play that 🙂
Fascinating!
Just got to ask, what relation – if any – does a “mouth bow” have to a “Jew’s harp”? Which reminds me, I recall as a kid holding a bottle out the car window and experimenting with getting different sounds by turning the bottle different ways. Sort of a similar idea, make music with whatever comes to hand.
I’ve never heard of a mouth bow. I’ve played a Jew’s harp and probably have a couple of them in a box somewhere. My grandfather and several uncles played all sorts of homemade gadgets. One owned a small store and every time he had an empty cigar box he would make and play a banjo until someone bought it. He once told me he made more money off the boxes than off the cigars.
I had to look up mouth bows and listen to a few folks play on you tube. I had imagined they were very small, but in reality they are much bigger and look a lot like a bow you can hunt with. It’s amazing how some people can make music using items like this mouth bow or something as simple as spoons.
Another nice short story! I’ve heard recordings of mouth bow. This is the first time I’ve heard of Indians playing them. That’s pretty cool! Thanks for posting. You certainly have tracked down a lot of good books written about Appalacia. I love hearing these great glimpses of these incredible folks.
I’ve never seen or heard a mouth bow, but I would love learning more through John Rice Irwin’s book. the Museum of Appalachia is in my area of East Tennessee and I visited many years ago. My daughter’s first grade class took a field trip there, also many years ago. The thing she was most impressed by was the two-seater outhouse!
Wonderful post. I was blessed to work as a medic for 9 years at a state run ski resort on weekends. One Saturday night at the inn I was staying at I saw a young man play music on his belt buckle. Could not believe how good he was. Music had always been a big part of my life because it connects us all together. I love the different types if music that lives in the different parts of our country. Bless you for the post.
I have never heard of a mouth bow either! I am totally ungifted in playing musical instruments and greatly admire people who are gifted in that area. I do, however, have a big mouth so maybe I could play a mouth bow
Good morning
The mouth bow is very interesting. I’ll look for a picture to share with a friend that teaches elementary school music. He is always looking for unusual instruments to share with his students.
Interesting instrument I would say.
I do not know what a mouth bow is. Nor, have I ever heard of one.
This book is something I would surely like to explore. Loved Alex’s telling of the memory.
I hope everyone had a pleasant Thanksgiving!
We haven’t heard from Mr. Randy for a while. Tipper, do you know if he is doing well?
I’ve not heard of a mouth bow, but my dad would play a jaw harp. He said it was Blue Grass. I have his Jaw Harp and his Sweet Potato. Thank you for the story.
Aren’t people creative? It’s interesting how people have learned to make music come out of common objects.
You can research this instrument online and be able to see and hear it if your readers are interested. It originated in Africa. Thank you for sharing.
There’s more that’s been lost in these hills than the likes of me will ever know. I for one would love to sit and learn and hear and do from the Native Americans. It’s one of my dreams. Blessings to you all and especially dear matriarch Granny-the one and only authentic and genuine article of Brasstown and a living legend!!!
Love to read books about the past. Sounds like a good book.
My Dad played a mouth harp on occasion. Nice memories.
My mom introduced me to Alex Stuart (via his book) many, many years ago when I was a young woman. What a beautiful, interesting life he lived! So much talent in so many areas of life…he was a gem!
Heard several people play a Jews Harp, but never heard of a mouth bow. Wish there was a picture of one and someone playing it. My grandfather Ernest Franklin led the singing at the country church I grew up in New Erie Baptist Church in Sevierville and taught old harp singing, but he always used a Jews Harp to get the tune right. He could teach you any song by reading the notes. Lucky’s grandmother Birdie wrote and sang her own songs back in the mountains in Monroe County, but I never heard mention this instrument. Lucky had a lot of Cherokee kin. God bless.
Another interesting story.
I enjoyed this story and the vernacular. Never heard of a mouth bow. Would love a picture.
The museum and pioneer village that John Rice Erwin is a fascinating place to visit.
good morning, thank you for the story, God bless you very much, God bless everybody, God bless granny, I’ve never seen or heard or played one of these things, it does sound interesting
good morning, thank you for the story, God bless you very much, God bless everybody, God bless granny
A mouth bow is something I haven’t heard of. Kind of like a harmonica, I guess.
It’s chilly and rainy in Monroe, Georgia this morning. I wish you and your family a great day!
Would love to read this book. Very interesting history of the bow.
This is one book I would definitely add to my library. The author, John Rice Irwin, lived near me and Alex Stewart lived in Hancock County not far from Anderson County. In researching the Stewart’s, they all played some sort of instrument like the mouth bow and my daddy the banjo! Scotch Irish indeed..
Everyone have a great day and stay dry!!
i have never heard of a mouth bow. Interesting story indeed.
I have this book and it’s so fascinating. It is a treasure. Mr. Stewart was a man of many talents and just chock full of knowledge.
We received about 6 inches of snow last night. It was coming down fast and so beautiful. Late last night if you walked outside it was putting it down quietly. I love the silence of a good snow. I was thinking of you, Tipper, and hoping you get your big snow.
I will go to work in a bit and hope the roads aren’t too bad. Our crews have been out all night plowing and salting. I always fret until they’re in safely. It’s dangerous nowadays because of people on the phone not paying attention.
I’ve only heard a few people play this in my lifetime, they have an interesting sound, which I consider to be more of a percussion instrument.
Beautiful Tipper and family