Aeolian harp

Stringed instrument played by the wind (named for the wind god Aeolus). It is usually a long, narrow, shallow box with soundholes and 10 or 12 strings strung lengthwise between two bridges. The strings are of the same length but different thicknesses and are all tuned to the same pitch; the wind makes them vibrate in successively higher harmonics. The harp may be hung, or set horizontally under a window sash. The first known Aeolian harp was constructed c. 1650 by Athanasius Kircher (1601–1680).

Find more information on Aeolian harp. Upgrade to Britannica Online for more on Aeolian harp.