Clarsach known as the 'Lamont Harp'

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This is a detail of the soundbox of one of the two oldest surviving clarsachs from Scotland. The clarsach dates from around 1500 and is known as the 'Lamont Harp' after the family who owned it in the early 16th century.

The soundbox, which forms the back of the clarsach, has been hollowed out from behind to give it its thickness. The holes for the strings have been drilled through the raised wooden rib that runs down the centre of the soundbox.

The clarsach was played in royal households from the 10th to the 16th centuries. It was the instrument of the Gael of north and west Scotland and Ireland.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-002-324-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
  
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