Unique Artifacts
to cherish for a lifetime
BENDIR (with tuning system), including a high-end GigBag
190.00 € – 248.00 €
Manufactured at the premises of the ancient Europos (Northern Greece) by a family of musicians and luthiers, the LUTHIEROS Bendir is made using natural materials available during antiquity. All parts are made of quality wood with great musicality, while the soundboard is made of premium animal skin. Final touches are added by using fabric, while the tuning system is the only one where we use modern materials.
This ancient artifact 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 the LUTHIEROS family. Key collaborations include the International Hellenic University and the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Rhythm finds its way into the secret places of the soul. — Plato
This is a premium musical instrument, a replica of the ancient frame-drum known with many names throughout time and space, such as bendir or tympanon. It is one of the oldest instruments of humankind, as it has been around since prehistoric times.
LUTHIEROS Bendir is equipped with a tuning system that enables the modern musician to tune it on different tones by simply adding or extracting air around the frame. It comes in three versions, 20″ diameter (50 cm), 18″ diameter (45 cm), and 16″ (40 cm). It has a 10 cm depth, adding a great set of extra frequencies to your playing. It can produce a great variety of tones thanks to the spreading of shock waves moving across the skin.
Bendir, as a frame drum, is the oldest and most common kind of drum, and it was used in Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, etc. What’s more, it is used until today during the special mystagogic ceremonies of the Sufi, where the use of music, rhythm, and dance are essential elements to reach particular states of consciousness.
Bendir can be played to accompany ancient and modern instruments, providing depth in the sound of a music band. It can also be used independently, to provide a mystic sound background to special events and moments.
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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
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!
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!
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.
Ancient Games, Modern Play
Experience the timelessness of play with our series of ancient Greek board games for the whole family, recreated based on ancient sources and crafted from premium materials.