Jaw's Harp

Jaw's Harps are also called a Jaw Harp or Jew's Harp. The two children's CDs with Jeff Davis both have music that is played on jaw's harps. 

A jaw's harp is small, handmade metal instrument placed against the teeth that makes a "buzzing" sound. It is ancient, and played all around the world - Jeff has one in his collection that is made of bamboo from the Philipines, called a "kubing." 

We don't know where the instrument started. One of the very first items that the Dutch traded on Manhattan Island in CT in the early 1600's was a jew's harp. An European-made jaw's harp was found in a Native American gravesite (which may be Massasoit, the Wampanoag Sachem who welcomed the Pilgrims in the 1620s) in Rhode Island. This harp dates back to the mid-1600's. A similar Native American instrument called a "mouth bow" is a small bow placed up against the cheekbone. It is possible that the mouth bow was a result of exposure to the European jaw's harp.

Jaw's Harps of various quality are avalable. Some are handmade and tuned to particular keys. Retail prices range from $6.00-$43.00.