Contemporary Chalcophone

Inspired by the ancient instrument Chalcophone I have designed an acoustic sound tool. What makes the Chalcophone unique is that no similar instrument has existed since Classical Antiquity. I decided that this object deserved a renaissance. Through sound and form experiments performed alongside the study of music archaeology, a final design proposal was developed. The models are made of ash wood and brass, re-imagining the Chalcophone in a new and playful way. Ancient history can be very abstract to grasp. Through my project I am curious to see if sound can create a connection to the past by being the start of a conversation. A discussion about time, traditions and how the sound itself is perceived. I believe we may find inspiration as well as new sustainable ways of living and playing when interpreting old technologies and traditions. This is what the Contemporary Chalcophone is - a modern ode to ancient sounds.