Soundbox of a clarsach associated with Mary, Queen of Scots

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This detail shows the soundbox from a clarsach dating from around 1500, said to have been given by Mary, Queen of Scots to Beatrice Gardyn of Banchory in 1563.

Patterns have been burnt into the front, sides and base of the soundbox. Encircled crosses dominate, but there are also fine plant scrolls.

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: 000-190-000-738-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.LT 1
• Date: Around 1500
  c. 1500
  
• Material: Clarsach / harp
  
• Dimensions: 812 x 510 mm
  
• What: Clarsach / harp
  
• Subject: Musical instruments (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Beatrix Gardyne of Banchory (Owner)
  Mary, Queen of Scots (Presenter)
  Robertson of Lude
  
• Where: Scotland
  Scotland, Perthshire, Atholl
  
• Event:
• Description: Clarsach or Highland harp said to have been given by Mary, Queen of Scots, to Beatrix Gardyne of Banchory while on a hunting trip in Atholl, c. 1563, made in the West Highland region, c. 1500
  
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