The hurdy-gurdy in engraved, decorated and painted wood is of French manufacture and can be dated to the late 19th century. This specimen has eight strings, also decorated for the neck, with an anthropomorphic head and can be played by only one musician. In the Middle Ages, the hurdy-gurdy was one of the instruments of excellence in sacred music, resulting in the main instrument in accompanying Gregorian chants. Usually two players were needed: one to maneuver the wheel, the other to operate. The organistrum worked by spinning a wheel, operated by a crank, a sort of continuous arc, which rubbed a variable number of strings, from a minimum of six to a maximum of eight. Over the centuries the hurdy-gurdy changed its function and size. From being an ideal instrument for the performance of sacred music, it became indispensable for popular music.