Chang

Chang (Harp)

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Chang is one of the historical Persian musical instruments that significantly influenced Persian art history. According to Persian etymology, Chang refers to objects with claws or curved and arched instruments. The remaining evidence of harp history affirmed its unique status among traditional music instruments for centuries.
Based on the remaining paintings and manuscripts from the Achaemenes Empire (500 BC) until the 17th century, the Chang was the most mentioned traditional musical instrument before its sudden disappearance. The oldest Chang found in Khuzestan is also the oldest stringed instrument in man’s history (4000 BC). The Pedal Harp, the most famous type of harp, is a developed version of ancient eastern Chang. 

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Typically, the ancient harp was made of straight and curved bars. Bars jointed together almost by 90° of angle and 4-35 strings (based on a development by time) fixed to these bars diagonally. Because of the complexity of production and the special status of Chang, it was a musical instrument mainly for the privileged class. This fact made the Chang one of the most stylized and adorned musical instruments.