Lute (Period)
A lute is a stringed musical instrument, popular throughout Europe from the 13th Century onward [Grove 15:334]. Its rounded back and angled pegbox distinguished it from the gittern and other stringed instruments; it had from four to six courses of strings, depending on period, and was played with a plectrum. The lute was not a common charge in period, but an example is found in the canting arms of the Seigneur de Lusse, mid-16th C. [GAC fo.404r]. The lute is affronty by Society default, with its pegbox to chief.
Variants of the lute include the “kobza” or Ukrainian lute, similar to a standard lute but with a very short neck; and the “mandolin”, which was developed post-period, and is no longer permitted.
Duncan of Bannockburn bears: Azure, three lutes bendwise sinister Or.
Bryan McDonal O’Cathasaigh bears: Per pale sable and gules, two lutes argent.
Bogdan Kobza bears: Per chevron azure and argent, two Ukrainian trident heads Or and a kobza sable.