The chest monochord zithers in ancient Sri Lanka

Abstract

Chest monochord zithers represent a significant category of string instruments found through­out the Indian Ocean region, with historical evidence tracing back to the late 6th century in South and Southeast Asia. This study investigates the depictions of chest monochord zithers in ancient visual representations in Sri Lanka, aiming to identify their structural components and assembly methods across different historical periods. Through a multidisciplinary approach that includes iconographic analysis, cross-comparison, and documentary examination – along with visual illus­trations – the research also integrates literary and ethnological materials. The findings reveal mul­tiple variants of chest monochord zithers and propose three assembly methods corresponding to historical phases spanning from the late 6th to the early 19th centuries.