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Jew’s harp

Bamboo Jew's harp in what appears to be a dried leaf sheath with fine string attached. (Jew's harps introduced in the Pacific from Asian travellers 15th (?) century or so). Sheath is slightly darker in colour. Jew's harp has 2 small slits towards its end (which tapers into a point, the point wrapped in fine string). In between these 2 slits is inserted 3 little red beads, 2 of a darker red on either side of a lighter red. On one side of the sheath is a paper label attached. Inside a border of 2 black lines, "Jew's Harp S.I." is written in ink. This is also written just above the beads and slit part of the instrument, though the writing has faded somewhat. Being gentle, the harp still fits snugly inside the sheath.

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    Bristol Museums
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  • Repository:Bristol Museums