established 1942



ROMAN BRONZE SEATED MUSICIAN PLAYING THE DOUBLE PHRYGIAN TIBIA

He wears a short chiton and boots. A very rare representation, possibly unique in bronze. Said to have been found near Lyon, France. This instrument uses a reed for sound generation and is a forerunner of the type used on the clarinet. The sound is warm and buzzy. The animal horn at the lower end amplifies the sound. Images of this Phrygian version of the Tibia with its curved end bell have been found carved on Roman sarcophagus lids. There is no mouthpiece so the protruding section of the reed at the very top has to be enclosed within the mouth, with the lips pressed against the top rim for support when blowing.

Ca. 2nd Century AD

H. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.)
Possibly from an Alexandrian workshop.

DPN03

$14,500


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