The lute of Diomidis 'Mimis' Tsikandylakis

Diomidis (Mimis) Tsikandylakis was a Cretan musician from the village of Krousonas in Malevizi, and a well-known lute player in the Cretan musical tradition. He was exceptionally talented and much loved. He passed away in 2016, at the age of 31.

Before his death, Mimis had ordered a lute made to his measure from the instrument maker Vassilis Sigletos. Sadly, he never received it and never played music on it.

After his death, the museum's board decided to name the string instruments room of the museum in Krousonas after Diomidis Tsikandylakis.

It is a great honour for the Thirathen Museum that, after this tragic loss, Mimis's family chose to donate to the museum the instrument he never played, in memory of the young musician.

By playing it for children and visitors, we keep alive the memory of our beloved Mimis.