The Vihuela was a stringed instrument popular during the Renaissance, similar to the guitar. It had 6 or 7 double strings, usually made of animal intestine. While its inventor is unknown, the Vihuela originated in Spain and Portugal in the 16th century, where it was more popular than the lute. It was constructed of wood and had the shape of an 8, around the same size as a guitar. Some famous musicians composed works for the Vihuela during this period.