Poet’s Lyre – In ancient times it was used by poets, the rich and royal families while reciting poetry. This African Lyre, or Arabian Sitar, has a round wooden body covered with leather. It does have a bridge over which rest six strings. These can be tuned by turning the levers on the upper crossbar. It is played by plucking it with a plectrum or pick. As the strings pass over the bridge they cause the leather-covered sound box to resonate. There are no soundholes.