Rare Musical Instruments from Around the World

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Discover percussion, string and wind instruments through their construction, sound, history, and place in regional, ancient, and ceremonial traditions.

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Rare musical instruments including oud, carnyx, lyre, drums and traditional wind instruments

Riq Middle East ›

Cajita Peru ›

Oud Arab World ›

Hurdy-Gurdy Europe ›

Roman Tibia Ancient Rome ›

Carnyx Celtic Europe ›

Ancient Lyres Ancient World ›

Explore by Family, Tradition or Historical Setting

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Collection of rare string, percussion and wind instruments

Explore by
Instrument Family

Browse instruments by their design, construction and acoustic characteristics, from drums and lutes to reeds, horns and pipes.

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Antique world map representing regional musical traditions

Explore by
Region or Tradition

Discover instruments within their cultural, geographic and historical setting across musical traditions around the world.

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Ancient stone relief depicting musicians and ceremonial instruments

Explore Ancient and
Ritual Instruments

Uncover instruments documented through archaeology, historical art, written sources and ceremonial musical practice.

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History, Construction and Cultural Context

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Origins and History

Trace the journeys of instruments through historical periods, regions, surviving examples and cultural exchange.

Construction and Sound

Examine materials, craftsmanship, form, tuning and playing techniques that shape each instrument’s sound.

Musical and Cultural Use

Understand how instruments shape music, ritual, storytelling, procession and identity within communities.

Recently Added Instruments

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