Hurdy Gurdy Monkey, 3D Illustration Stock Photo

Since the beginning of the 18th century, the barrel organ has been known in all European countries as an instrument for street musicians and jugglers, but also - especially in England and France - as a church and salon instrument. Bank singers also used a barrel organ. Many barrel organ players place a plush monkey on their instrument. This should remind of the time when wandering musicians were often accompanied by a capuchin monkey or rhesus monkey. The monkey was an additional attraction - especially for the children - and mostly had the task of collecting coins from the bystanders.