Kwitra

{{Short description|Algerian stringed instrument}}

{{Infobox Instrument

|name=Kwitra

|image= Kwitra 01.jpg

|image_size=200

|caption= Kwitra

|names= Kouitra, quitra, quwytara

|background=string

|classification=String instrument

|hornbostel_sachs=

|hornbostel_sachs_desc=Composite chordophone

|developed=

|range=

|related=Oud, mandolin, mandolute

|articles=

}}

The kwitra (also quwaytara, kouitra and quitra; in Arabic: الكوترة (a-kwitra)) is an Algerian stringed instrument, sometimes referred to as the Algerian lute.{{cite book |title= The Rough Guide to World Music: Africa & Middle East |author1=Simon, Broughton|author2=Mark, Ellingham. |name-list-style=amp |year= 2006|publisher= Rough Guides |page= 254 }}{{cite web |publisher = Metropolitan Museum of Art |title= Quwaytara, late 19th century, Moroccan |url= https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/501019?searchField=All&sortBy=Relevance&ft=lute&offset=120&rpp=20&pos=126 }} The instrument is tied to Andalusian musical traditions of Moorish people who were pushed out of the Iberian peninsula in the 15th century. That tradition has shrunk further; where the kwitra was once seen in Algeria, today it is mainly an Algerian instrument.

The literal meaning of kwitra in Algerian Arabic (and possibly in the extinct Andalusian Arabic) is "small guitar". It is a regional instrument in the lute family of instruments, related to Italian chitarra.{{cite web|title=ATLAS of Plucked Instruments – Africa|url=http://www.atlasofpluckedinstruments.com/africa.htm|accessdate=10 March 2012}}

It has eight strings in four courses. It is tuned G3 G3, E4 E4, A3 A3, D4 D4.{{cite encyclopedia |editor-last= Sadie |editor-first=Stanley |entry= Quwaytara |encyclopedia= The New Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments |year=1984 |id= Volume 3 |page= 176|quote=... four pairs of strings ... typical Moroccan timing is G-e-A-d ...}} The traditional strings are made of animal intestines. They usually have a carved soundhole in the shape of a bowl or vase.