The phorminx is a small string instrument chiefly found in the Geometric and Archaic periods. It consists of a wooden horseshoe-shaped soundbox with arms and three to seven strings. It was the instrument used by the aoidoi, the wandering artists and singers described by Homer, who accompanied circle dances with their playing and sang the deeds of the heroes of the past, both for the common people and at the rich banquets of the nobility.