| Description |
There are many musical instruments in Kyrgyzstan. The most iconic is the komuz, a three-stringed instrument resembling a small guitar. The body of the komuz is made of a whole piece of apricot or juniper wood, and sometimes of walnut or redwood. The tool head of the instrument has three wooden hitch-pins to which ends of strings are attached. The other ends of strings go to a bridge located on the table (deque) right in front of the tone-hole. Mutton guts were used as strings until recent times.
The length of komuz is no longer than 85- 90 sm. Alternatives of the tuning of komuz is one its unique features, which are, in their turn, linked with a chosen type of musical composition. It is played by hands.
Kyl-kiyak (or kiyak) is a stringed instrument with a bow. It is made of the same woods as the komuz. The instrument has two strings. It is a ladle-shaped instrument with an open upper half; its lower part is covered with camel leather. The length of kiyak is no longer than 70 sm. Untwisted horsehair is used for strings and bow. The fiddle for the bow is made of a specific plant, meadowsweet.
Temir komuz is a mouth plucking instrument made of the metal only (temir - metallic). It is U-shaped and 6-7 centimeters long. Materials used to make it are brass, bronze or copper. The metal reed is fixed in the middle of a “plug” of the instrument, which is held by fingers of the right hand. When played, temir komuz is held near the mouth, which is a natural resonator. The whole performing apparatus, including lips, voice box, hands, and even lungs of the musician, is used in each tone.
Chopo-choor (clay chor) is an ancient wind instrument. At present, it is spread in a ceramic form and has a regular oblong shape of 20 centimeters in length and 8 centimeters in width. Performer holds it with lips and fingers holes that are arranged along the length of the instrument.
Dobulbash is a national percussion instrument, representing one-sided drum, which is covered by the leather. Height of its corpus, which is cut out of a juniper, is no longer than 60 centimeters; diameter of the membrane, which is covered by camel’s leather, is 25-30 centimeters. Notes from the drum are elicited by the tail point of the Kyrgyz whip (kamchy) or palms. The instrument sounds loudly, resonantly, and lastingly.
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| Social and cultural significance |
Kyrgyz people have revered instrumental music since antiquity. Music accompanied Kyrgyz people in various life situations - from military campaigns and meetings with the guests to solemn festivities and commemorations. It was an integral part of the folk culture and their daily life.
The abundance of various musical instruments speaks of the cultural wealth of the Kyrgyz people. Absorbing the sounds of the nature, people created simple instruments from improvised materials. Many of them are still in use up to the present time.
In the minds of the people, musical instruments are a kind of material symbols of their spiritual and aesthetic attitude to the world around them. It is no coincidence that musical instruments, such as komuz, were revered as national relics and often placed in the most honourable place in a yurt or house.
The significant role of musical instruments in the life of Kyrgyz people is evidenced by their repeated mentions in the “Manas” trilogy, where said musical instruments and their expressive potential are meticulously described and characterized.
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| Transmission method |
Traditional knowledge and the secrets of making musical instruments were passed within the family, from master to apprentice and in the craftsmen communities through practical trainings, instructions, demonstrations. The making of some musical instruments is taught in craft classes in schools, art colleges and institutes, studios and extracurricular professional programs. |
| Community |
Community of craftspeople, masters of making musical instruments.
Public Association "Master Komuz".
Known crafters of traditional musical instruments who played a significant role in the development of Kyrgyz instrumental art: Imankulov, Verkhoglyadova, Tilebaliev, Relief, Abdyrachmanov, Aidiraliev, Kenchinbayev, Jamankulov.
Modern individual craftsmen: Suragan Aidyraliev, Esenkul Bekturganov, Mirbek Manapbaev, Uraliev Namazbek, Nurlanbek Nyshanov |
