Reconstructing ancient instruments

John Kenny was part of a team of scientists and musicians who resurrected the Pictish instrument known as the carnyx, a 2,000-year-old metal trumpet in the shape of a boar’s head which was used by ancient Scots in their battle against Roman invasion. . .

Earlier this year, the Scottish group helped recreate two working models of Irish Bronze Age instruments, the Ard Brinn Horn and the Lough Nasaed Trumpet.

Kenny, who lives in Edinburgh and has recorded several CDs of music featuring the carnyx, is now working with musicians and archaeologists in Egypt, Israel, Greece and Turkey who sought advice on reconstructing ancient instruments from their own countries.

Among the instruments that could be recreated are the hazerot, which consists of a pair of joined silver trumpets and is mentioned in the Old Testament.

Posted by David on January 2, 2004 1:01 PM