Sordino - known to the French as a pochette - this instrument is a 'pocket fiddle'. Derived in form from the medieval Rebec, orignating from the Near East and also known as the Gigue. Distinguished from the 'Viol' family by the neck being a prolongation of the body, instead as of an attachment to it. Sordini were replaced at the beginning of the 18th century by the diminutive viols used principally by dancing-masters. Sordino is the Italian term for a mute or damper as applied to any instrument.