Clarsach known as the 'Lamont Harp'

This is one of the two oldest surviving clarsachs from Scotland. It dates from around 1500 and is known as the 'Lamont Harp' after the family who owned it in the early 16th century. It was carved from the wood of a hornbeam tree.

The clarsach is made up of three parts: the soundbox, the forepillar, and the harmonic curve. These three elements have been mortised together, the joints settling and distorting under the tension of the strings.

Clarsachs can be strung for a left or right-handed person. By studying the wear patterns we know that the 'Lamont' was held on the left shoulder with the left hand playing the shorter strings.

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