本文從樂器演進及社會時尚來研究最有代表性的美國民間樂器之一:班鳩琴(Banjo)。文章循著300年的歷史來探索這件樂器如何從非洲傳到美洲,又從黑人轉到白人的手裡,最後融匯為跨過時空,超越種族的「最美國」的樂器之一。主要通過學術研究和圖像資料來闡述十八、十九和二十世紀中此樂器的結構、奏法和風格的改變以及和各時代社會的相互關聯,既褒亦貶。而文中則穿插了筆者實地考察的例子。經過了漫長的時間,該樂器隨着社會的變遷而終致獲得一定的地位,代表著美國非主流文化和南方的農莊、非洲裔、阿帕拉契山區白人(山巴佬)等的懷舊情懷,至今仍然深植人心,並受到大眾和世界樂壇所器重。
Based on the evolution of musical instruments and changing tastes in society, this is a study of one of the most representative American folk musical instruments, the banjo. In the course of 300 years it follows the instrument as it came from Africa to the Americas, passed from the hands of blacks to whites, and ultimately transcended time, space, and race becoming an instrument of all Americans. Using scholarly studies and iconographical resources, this discourse covers the banjo's change in construction, performance practice, musical style and social function in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Results of the author's personal onsite contacts and observation are infused in the content. Over time, this instrument has seen shifting social contexts and come to earn a place of deeply rooted nostalgia in generations from non-mainstream tradition, southern plantations, African Americans, Appalachian whites (Hillbillies), and now with many people and the world music circle.