What is semsemia?
The Semsemia or Simsimiyya is a traditional plucked lyre used in Egypt, Jordan and Yemen. It is mostly used by Bedouins as a social instrument. In Egypt it is traditionally used to accompany a dance called bambutiyya, as well as among the musicians called suhbagiyya, in the cities of Port Said and Ismailiyya.
Where did harp originate?
Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt (2500 BC) The earliest evidence of the harp is found in Ancient Egypt circa 2500 BC. They were shaped liked bows or angular and had very few strings (because they lacked a column they could not support much string tension).
Which African instrument is Egyptian?
The sistrum is an ancient Egyptian instrument that played an important role in rituals to worship goddesses like Bestet and Hathor, and was also essential to ceremonies meant to avert flooding of the Nile river.
What are string instruments called?
In the Hornbostel-Sachs scheme of musical instrument classification, used in organology, they are called chordophones. The most common string instruments in the string family are guitar, electric bass, violin, viola, cello, double bass, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and harp.
What does a harp symbolize?
Harps were associated also with David in the Old Testament and used as the symbol of St. Cecilia, patron saint of musicians. But if seen on jewellery, or in funerary art, it can be seen as a symbolic of worship in heaven or hope.
Why is a harp called a harp?
The term is partly inspired by the Aeolian harp, a stringed instrument that is left outdoors to be played by the wind, whose name was taken from Aeolus the god of the wind. Early names for the harmonica were Aeolina, Aeolian and Mund-Aeoline, which stressed this link with the Aeolian harp.
Where is the kora instrument from?
western Africa
kora, long-necked harp lute of the Malinke people of western Africa. The instrument’s body is composed of a long hardwood neck that passes through a calabash gourd resonator, itself covered by a leather soundboard.
Is a harp an African instrument?
African Harps, particularly arched or “bow” harps, are found in several Sub-Saharan African music traditions, particularly in the north-east.
What is woodwinds instrument?
woodwind, any of a group of wind musical instruments, composed of the flutes and reed pipes (i.e., clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone). Both groups were traditionally made of wood, but now they may also be constructed of metal.