![]() The strings were fastened to a suspension rod at the lower and to fixed suspension pegs at the upper end. The size of the instrument varied as did the number of strings, which usually ranged from five to seven. The shovel-shaped harp, consisting of a sound-box in the shape of a shallow spoon or spade and a gently arched neck, was typical of the Old Kingdom. The angular harp, on the other hand, was a later import, first appearing during the New Kingdom. Several forms of the arched harp existed, classified by the shape of its sound-box – shovel-shaped, ladle-shaped, boat-shaped, crescent-shaped. The arched harp was indigenous to Egypt and it was known as early as the 4 th Dynasty. Harps can be divided into two groups: arched and angular. Of the three, the harp was the most popular, but also the most depicted musical instrument through all periods. Three types of chordophones were played by ancient Egyptian musicians – harp, lyre and lute. Yet, a variety of musical instruments were already used in the Old Kingdom, from wind to stringed instruments as well as idiophones and membraphones. Singing, clapping hands and snapping fingers may be the simplest of ways to make music. Thutmose III went a step further and commissioned “a splendid harp wrought with silver, gold, lapis lazuli, malachite, and every splendid costly stone.” King Ahmose had a harp made of ebony, gold, and silver. Texts mentioned it being embellished with precious materials. Harp was not only the most preferred instrument of ancient Egyptians but it was also shown among the offerings that would delight the god during the ritual and processions. Some of the performers’ names were also known, such as the singer Kahay, who was admired for his beautiful voice. Statues and statuettes of musicians are also numerous and the rich textual evidence allow us to identify the titles of the musicians, names of the instruments, as well as the repertoires and techniques of playing used. Along with musical instruments, a diverse set of objects adorned with representations of music scenes survived to this day. ![]() Temple and tomb wall reliefs and paintings often depict performing singers and musicians with the songs they sang or accompanied. Music has always played an important part in the lives of ancient Egyptians. Women clapping hands.Tomb of Nebseny ©Bruno Sandkühler – Unidia ![]()
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