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Description: | A complete copper alloy Jews' Harp of post-medieval date. The Jews' Harp consists of a sub-U-shaped frame with a bulbous closed end and lozenge shaped section. The arms of the frame taper in width towards the open end where they terminate in worn squared off stubs. The arms are slightly upturned presumably as a result of post-depositional damage. The separately cast tongue no longer remains though a slight faceted rabbet for attachment remains at the thickest part of the frame.The metal has a mid greenish-brown patina and is worn. The Jews' Harp is 52.12mm long, 23.07mm wide, 6.41mm thick and weighs 12.28g.The jews' harp is a simple musical instrument which is played by holding the frame lightly between the teeth and plucking the metal tongue with the fingers. The mouth acts as a resonating chamber and can alter the pitch by moving the lips, cheeks and tongue.Egan (1998: p.284) explains that the jews' harp is "an ancient folk instrument with a wide geographical distribution. It is indigenous to South-East Asia, and was certainly introduced to Europe by the time of the Crusades".
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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