Memento mori

An Elizabethan time-traveller has arrived in Corfe Castle to demonstrate a variety of the old musical instruments of his time.

The instrument in his hand is a Scheitholz - literal meaning akin to : piece of wood - which he categorises as a German peasant's instrument.  On one internet site it is described as an ancestor of the zither.

Note the memento mori - the little skull - towards the left of the table.  A great contemporary touch!

Fascinating, even to a non-musician like me.  The National Trust provides this expertise in the castle grounds at no extra cost.