The body is shallow and piriform in shape. The neck and the body are of one piece of wood inlaid with shell and various metals in a pattern of flowers, leaves, and vines. The belly is of slab-sawn wood with a highly figured grain pattern. A protective piece of snakeskin is glued to the belly above the bridge-tailpiece. There are 11 wood frets glued to the belly. Four rounded frets of rosewood and ivory are attached to the neck. The pegbox is set at a sharp angle to the neck; it contains four conoid lateral pegs and terminates with a carving of a stylized bat with outstretched wings, a symbol of good luck.