A large assortment of iron and brass Jew's harps (also known as Jew's
trumps) have been found. This small instrument is lyre-shaped, and when
placed between the teeth gives tones from a bent metal tongue when
struck by the finger. Modulation of tone is produced by changing the
size and shape of the mouth cavity.
As there is no record of spinets, or virginals, having been used at
Jamestown, we have no way of knowing whether such wire-stringed,
keyboard instruments were used in the homes of the more prosperous
planters, together with other musical instruments of the period.
It is quite certain, however, that the Jamestown settlers knew the songs
and ballads which were sung in Great Britain in those days. They were
also familiar with English, Irish, Welsh, and Scotch dances. A few
contemporary accounts reveal that the Virginia colonists enjoyed merry
tunes and ditties, as well as lively dances. Although living in a
wilderness, there were times when they could enjoy a few leisure-hour
activities and amusements, including singing and dancing.
[Illustration: PLAYING A JEW'S HARP--ENJOYING A LITTLE MUSIC IN THE
VIRGINIA WILDERNESS. (Conjectural sketch by Sidney E. King.)]
[Illustration: AN ASSORTMENT OF JEW'S HARPS UNEARTHED AT JAMESTOWN.]
[Illustration: A FEW OBJECTS RECOVERED AT JAMESTOWN WHICH WERE ONCE USED
ON 17TH-CENTURY BOATS--REMINDERS OF A DAY WHEN TRAVEL IN VIRGINIA WAS
LARGELY BY WATER.]