I now own 4 replica instruments bases on Anglo-Saxon originals so I thought I would show them today.
First I have the Horn. This is an Ox-horn. Horns were used in battle as signals but also in ceremonial matters. The lord of a hall might summon his people to feast by standing at the door and blowing the horn.
It is played by holding it in the corner of your mouth and blowing across it,
Next up is the bone flute. Many of these have been found in burials – usually made of sheep or dear bone. They have 3 holes but the hole at the end can be blocked as well to create more notes.
Drums were certainly used. There are more difficult to replicate as little survives – being made of animal skin and wood.
Finally here is my lyre. Its made of yew. (various woods were used). It Has 6 strings and can create a range of chords, notes and a good deal of noise. We are lucky that Kind Redwald of East Anglia was buried with a Lyre which mostly survived and allows for a decent replica.
Here is a video of me playing (badly) these instruments. I don’t think I will start a musical career!
