Clarsach known as the 'Lamont Harp'

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This is a detail of the forepillar 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 clarsach, which was carved from the wood of the hornbeam tree, has obviously been played a great deal as it has had to be repaired with metal plates. One of these plates can be seen at the bottom of the forepillar.

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: 000-190-000-743-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:
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