Egyptian Lute Players Handbag

Handpainted
Egyptian women lute players. Found in Thebes, from the tomb of Nebamun, a nobleman in the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt (c. 1350 BC).

The lute is thought to have originated among the West Semites of Syria and was introduced to Egypt as a result of Hyksos influence. Lutes were discovered on wall paintings in the tombs of the New Kingdom. These lutes have two or three skin leather strings, stretched along a long neck, attached to a drum-like resonating body covered with animal skin. As an instrument, the lute was in the domain of female musicians.