Old African Lyre 8-String Instrument Hand-held Harp - Rare to Find!
Up for sale is an Old African Lyre 8-String Instrument Hand-held Harp. The lyre, as an instrument type, is very old, dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE. It is known to have existed in East Africa at least as early as the middle of the first millennium BCE. Today, lyre traditions exist primarily in Egypt, East Africa, and the Arabian peninsula. All East African lyres are plucked and/or strummed (none are bowed), and most, but not all, are used by a vocalist to accompany themselves singing topical songs.This base of this lyre was made from a wooden bowl covered with animal hide. The frame of the fan shaped harp was made from 3 wooden sticks. The 8 strings were ties with dry plant leaves. It plays well and gives pleasant sounds!Perfect condition with no damage.This is a Rare to Find item!