고대이집트 고공(高共)리라에 대한 음악고고학적 연구

A Musicarchaeological Study on Ancient Egyptian Thick Lyres

Musicarchaeological discoveries present evidence of Egyptian lyres developing as various types in their chronology. Thick lyres, distinguished by the depth of their soundbox, date mostly from the 19th and 20th dynasties. To date, three thick lyres, one model instrument, and 7 iconographical materials have been discovered. The paper examines the origin, date, size, material and structure of thick lyres in detail. The seven paintings suggest a concrete playing technique and identity of performers, as well as suggest details of the circumstances and purpose of their use. In the paintings, thick lyres are played always by female performers except for one papyrus in which a lion is depicted as a player. Thick lyres are played not only for private entertainment or for banquet guests, but also for religious ritual. On comparison with thin lyres, which have a flat-based soundbox, the thick lyre is distinctive in its size, sound, decoration and playing style. The soundbox of the thick lyre is deeper than that of the thin lyre, and, according to reconstructed lyres, sounds richer in overtones. The animal head decoration found on the thick lyre contrasts with the plain decoration of the thin lyre. Whereas the thick lyre rests on a performer’s shoulder due to its size and weight, the thin lyre is held vertically in the bosom of the player or carried under the player’s left arm.