Paraguayan harpists ask advertisers to protect the instrument’s traditional design

Arpistas Paraguayos Asociados has called on Paraguay’s advertising agencies and creative professionals to preserve the traditional design of the Paraguayan harp.

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We urge the country’s advertising agencies and creatives to maintain the cultural and artistic integrity of the Paraguayan harp in their designs.

In a statement issued by its president, Alicia Esther Brizuela Alcaraz, the musicians’ association said the harp is an emblematic symbol of national identity. Its original design, the group said, reflects Paraguay’s history and musical tradition.

The association urged advertisers to respect and preserve the instrument’s authenticity in campaigns across the country. It said that honoring the cultural heritage would also help maintain appreciation for the arts among future generations.

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The harp is an emblematic symbol of our national identity, and its original design reflects the richness of our history and musical tradition.

Arpistas Paraguayos Asociados said it would continue campaigning until designs were changed to use the Paraguayan harp’s traditional form. The statement included designs by @kiaraben_ as examples.

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This respect for our cultural heritage not only honors our roots, but also promotes the continuity of artistic appreciation for future generations.

The Paraguayan harp has 36 strings. Its current design is attributed to renowned harpist Félix Pérez Cardozo and luthier Epifanio López. Musician and composer Diego Sánchez Haase has said Pérez Cardozo inserted the strings into the pegbox and added four strings, two in the low register and two in the high register, giving the instrument its present configuration.

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That is how the Paraguayan harp acquired its current configuration.