Clarsach known as the 'Lamont Harp'

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The detail shows the raised wooden rib down the centre of the soundbox of the clarsach known as the 'Lamont Harp'. The clarsach dates from around 1500 and is one of the two oldest surviving clarsachs from Scotland.

The holes for the strings have been drilled through this raised wooden rib. The holes were reinforced with decorative metal fittings to prevent the highly tensioned strings from cutting into the wood.

There are many examples in Scotland of harpers holding hereditary offices in court and castle. The harper was a member of the professional order that survived longest in Gaelic society.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-748-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.LT 2
• Date: Around 1500
  c. 1500
  
• Material: Brass
  Harp
  
• Dimensions: 952 mm x 469 mm
  
• What: Harp
  
• Subject: Musical instruments (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Lamont
  
• Where: Scotland
  
• Event:
• Description: Harp with ornamental mountings of brass, called the 'Lamont Harp', Scotland, c. 1500
  
• References:
• Translations:
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