Histoire de la Harpe
I

 Harpe Egypte 1
Egyptian arched Harp (5th Dynasty)

DEFINITION OF THE HARP

The harp is an asymmetrical triangle strung with strings of unequal length, In opposition to the Lyre in which strings of equal length are strung between two parallel struts..

Harps in Western Europe have always been angular harps, from which the form of the modern harp is derived. But, in ancient times, the harp had two possible forms: the arched harp and the angular harp.

 Harpe Egypte 2
"Shovel-shaped" arched Harp. Thebes.
Middle Empire

 Harpe Assyrie 1 Harpe Assyrie 2

Assyrian angular harps
 Harpa angulaire
Egyptian angular harp with 20 strings
(Reconstruction. Louvre museum)
(Saite era, 7-6th century B.C.)