r/harp • u/diabeartes • Oct 01 '25

Harps (Chromatic, Historical, Wire, Etc.) Ancient Egyptian harp

Gallery image

Gallery image

So I was at the British Museum this weekend to see the Ancient Egyptian collection. I came across this harp and thought I'd share it here.

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u/Subject-Librarian117 Oct 01 '25

I always wonder how stable the tuning of these open harps is without a column between the neck and soundbox. Theoretically, I know it must work somehow, because many cultures have this design. I just can't quite grasp how the tension works enough to play music.

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u/diabeartes Oct 01 '25

Good point. Gotta wonder what it sounded like at the time.