Unique Artifacts
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Lyre of Sappho (8 strings) – ancient Greek barbiton lyre
740.00 €
“Some say the Muses are nine: how careless! Look, there’s Sappho too, from Lesbos, the tenth.” – Plato, epigram in the Anthologia Palatina
This is a replica of a Barbiton lyre, named after the ancient Greek poet Sappho (well known for her poetry, full of passion and eroticism). It was during her time (6th century B.C.) that an eighth string was introduced to the ancient lyres. Barbiton lyre was used throughout Greece, and especially in Lesbos.
LUTHIEROS Barbiton Lyre has 8 strings, and so a chromatic range of a full octave! This is why it is ideal for anyone willing to enter the world of ancient music for the first time. Furthermore, it is a very capable musical instrument for an advanced musician too, willing to make the transition from western music to the ancient one!
Barbiton lyres were the main instrument during the ancient symposium and the Dionysian orgies, thanks to its deeper and sweeter sound (due to the greater length of its strings, compared to chelys lyres). Until the 4th century B.C., the barbiton lyres were disappeared from ancient Greece to be re-introduced by the Romans mainly for sacrificial rituals.
“Solon of Athens heard his nephew sing a song of Sappho’s over the wine and, since he liked the song so much, he asked the boy to teach it to him. When someone asked him why, he said: ‘So that I may learn it, then die.’ “- Florilegium (3.29.58) of Stobaeus
Manufactured at the premises of the ancient Europos (Northern Greece) by a family of musicians and luthiers, the LUTHIEROS Barbiton Lyre 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.
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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.
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