Unique Artifacts
to cherish for a lifetime

Ancient Sambuca (7 or 9 strings)

540.00 690.00 

“And Phoebus Apollo laughed for joy; for the sweet throb of the marvelous music went to his heart, and a soft longing took hold on his soul as he listened.” – Homeric Hymn to Hermes, line 414-435

This is a replica of the ancient Greek harp-like Sambuca, an erotic stringed instrument that was used during symposiums and orgiastic worships during the antiquity. It was probably invented by the poet Ibycus (6th B.C.) and first played by a wandering woman called Sibyl. The sambuca player was using both hands while playing this ancient harp-like instrument. 

LUTHIEROS Sambuca has 7 or 9 strings with a soundbox made by an artificial tortoiseshell, a wooden arm, animal skin for a soundboard, and a sophisticated bridge. Whatsmore, it comes with top-quality sugarcane strings, specially designed and produced for LUTHIEROS. 

Manufactured at the premises of the ancient Europos (Northern Greece) by a family of musicians and luthiers, the LUTHIEROS Sambuca is made exclusively using natural materials available during the antiquity. All parts are made of quality wood with great musicality, while the tuning pegs are made by ebony and mulberry wood, the bottom part of the strings are attached to animal skin, while the plectrum is manufactured by wood.

This ancient artifact was evolved to become a modern musical instrument ready to be used by both amateur and professional musicians. For all the minor (but very important) alterations, top-notch technologies were used during the prototyping phase (such as 3d Modeling and rapid prototyping) as part of University-based research by members of LUTHIEROS family. Key collaborations include the International Hellenic University and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

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There is no benefit when music stands secret and hidden.

— Lucian, 2nd c. CE

SEIKILO Museum offers a fine selection of premium products closely related to our ancient world's musical heritage. Whether a replica of a lyre or another ancient musical instrument, sheet music of ancient surviving melodies, books about the history & myths of music in ancient Greece, or pristine quality recordings of ancient-inspired melodies, you can take with you a unique piece of history that you will cherish for a lifetime and even pass on to the next generation of your family.

Explore more in the options below...

Bring the Museum to your Home

Η σκοτεινή λύρα του Ορφέα (Χέλυς 9χορδή με ξύλινο σκαφτό αντίγραφο καυκάλου)

Acquire an Artifact

Discover the magic of ancient music with the handcrafted instrument recreations of the unique SEIKILO collection, such as a lyre, a kithara, a phorminx, or a pandura!

Η σκοτεινή λύρα του Ορφέα (Χέλυς 9χορδή με ξύλινο σκαφτό αντίγραφο καυκάλου)

Preserve the Stories

All the myths and stories you heard during your visit to the SEIKILO Museum are but a mere fragment of what was written. Explore the legacy of the lyre through SEIKILO museum-quality books!

Η σκοτεινή λύρα του Ορφέα (Χέλυς 9χορδή με ξύλινο σκαφτό αντίγραφο καυκάλου)

Experience Ancient Music at Home

Replicate the amazing experience of a SEIKILO museum visit by listening to studio-quality recordings of surviving ancient melodies and contemporary compositions on ancient musical instruments.

Η σκοτεινή λύρα του Ορφέα (Χέλυς 9χορδή με ξύλινο σκαφτό αντίγραφο καυκάλου)

Ancient Games, Modern Play

Αncient Greeks designed a series of highly educational games through which the youngsters sharpened their minds and developed critical thinking. Experience the timelessness of play with our series of ancient board games for the whole family, handcrafted with premium materials.

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Get in touch

Filippou 5, Thessaloniki

+30 2316019635

info@seikilo.com

Filippou 5, Thessaloniki

WhatsApp +30 6981175235

Viber +30 6981175235

Must know before you visit

The Museum runs interactive tours from Monday to Friday (11:00 & 16:00) and on Saturday (11:00), strictly upon reservation. More time slots are available upon request.

All our tours are guided by a professional lyre player who performs live for you.

Available time slots highly depend on the season. Please reach out for details.

The cost is 15 € per person and 5 € for kids up to 12 (always accompanied by an adult).