We had a discussion of nyckelharpa history with Gunnar Ahlbäck, including photos in a powerpoint-type presentation. We then went together to the Tolfta Kyrka or church for more discussion and saw the paintings decorating this old church, including two nyckelharpa playing angels as well as those playing lutes. The church was built around 1300 (medieval) and the paintings in the arch that include the nyckelharpas are original from that time, although the walls were repainted after an 1802 fire.
Nyckelharpa-playing angel
Tolfta Kyrka
The entire arch mid-section has two angels playing nyckelharpas, two playing lutes, a harp…
Many of these historical photos of nyckelharpas are around the ESI as large posters.
Hebrew lettering on the gold sunshine. It is yud hey vav hey (reading right to left) for Adonai or God.
Fika outside the church!
A Mora-type nyckelharpa. Amy Hakanson played us a tune in the church.
