Lyre

Unknown

19th century · Gourd, antelope horns, wood, skin · Musical Instruments

Decorative lyre made for export. Lyres have two wood or horn arms that project from the body and carry a crossbar to which the upper ends of the strings are fastened. The strings lie nearly parallel to the soundtable. African lyre bodies are made of wood, gourds, tortoise or coconut shells. Most African lyres lack bridges allowing the strings vibrate against the soundtable to create a buzzing sound.

Artist

Unknown

Date

19th century

Medium

Gourd, antelope horns, wood, skin

Culture

East African

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889