Antiquities - 'Jew's Harp' or Jaw Harp lamellophone (musical instrument), lacking reed, 7cm high, on museum type display stand, 18.8cm overallThe origin of the term 'Jews Harp' is uncertain - but is rather unlikely to refer to the Jewish people. Some have connected it to an Early English (Anglo Saxon) word 'jue', or to a corruption of 'jaws' due to the shape. The synonym jaw harp may therefore predate 'Jews Harp'. It was intended to be plucked, or tapped like a tuning fork, the (missing) reed vibrating within the frame, which rests against the user's teeth or mouth to enhance the sound.