Norwich Roof Boss #5

[poliphilo]

This is one of my favourites.

The musician on the left is playing a cittern. And the one on the right? I think what they're holding is a bladder pipe or bagpipe- and that the carving has been damaged, then restored and painted misleadingly to make it seem as if the bag is a rigid form with its flat, smooth face towards the viewer. The giveaway is the chanter poking out at the bottom.

Comments

[strange_complex]

You've given yourself two left musicians, but I'm pretty sure the one on the right is actually playing a vielle, but with the detail of the strings and bridge lost. You can see some (more detailed) images of them here: https://earlymusicmuse.com/vielle-introduction/

[poliphilo]

I've changed one of my lefts for a right. :)

A vielle? Yes, I think you've nailed it. Whoever painted the boss- and I assume it was done quite recently because medieval paintwork isn't going to have lasted- wasn't sure what the instument was and improvised. We're also missing the musicians right hand- which might have been plucking the strings or holding a bow.

[strange_complex]

Yes, it's a pity about the loss of the right arm. It obviously wasn't touching the instrument, or traces of where the two had joined would survive, so I assume it was either poised to pluck or holding a bow in the air, as you say. It's no great wonder that it has broken off, given that it must have projected without any support.