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Clarsach associated with Mary, Queen of Scots

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Clarsach associated with Mary, Queen of Scots
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This shows the left hand view of a clarsach dating from around 1500, said to have been given by Mary, Queen of Scots to Beatrice Gardyn of Banchory in 1563. The clarsach is one of the two oldest surviving clarsachs from Scotland.

The roundels on either side of the forepillar depict mythical beasts. Faint traces of pigment amongst the decoration suggest that it was picked out in colour. The roundel patterns are probably derived from medieval book illustrations.

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.

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