Method of Construction
Constructed by: Jolly Killmer, '97
In reconstructing this instrument, I relied on pictures taken
from ancient pottery, which didn't clearly show how the tuning
mechanisms worked. Some showed a thin strip of wood or metal with
holes in it to which the strings are attached, but since I wanted
to make sure the lyre would be playable I used pegs instead of a
strip. In addition, since I didn't have access to a tortoise
shell, I constructed the sound box out of wood.
Sources, Resources and Links
An image of a Chelys-Lyra on a vase is available at the University of Pennsylvania Museum.