It was in the 19th century that this instrument was discovered, not in a royal or warrior’s tomb like most other medieval lyres, but hanging in a barn in Numedal, Norway.
Dating from the 14th century, the instrument appears to have survived the ages, passing from hand to hand, and shows numerous repairs and improvements that it seems to have undergone before being likely forgotten there.
The arms and yoke are highly ornate and feature exquisitely detailed ornamentation created with a knife. Only the body of the instrument, carved from a single piece of fir, remains.
Unfortunately, the soundboard, tuning pins, bridge, and tailpiece have not been found. The instrument has a hole on the side, probably indicating the location of a strap for carrying it while playing or transporting it.
