Deep in the windswept grasslands of Mongolia, a haunting melody drifts across the horizon: the sound of the morin khuur 🎻🐎.
Also known as the horse-head fiddle in Inner Mongolian, this bowed string instrument traces its roots to the nomadic herders of the steppe. Legend says each morin khuur carries the soul and longing of a herdsman for his lost horse.
Central to Mongol rituals, festivals, and everyday hospitality, the morin khuur is far more than musicits a living bridge to centuries-old beliefs and stories. During Naadam, Mongolias biggest festival, its strings echo tales of bravery, love, and the boundless freedom of riding under open skies.
Crafted by hand, each fiddle features a carved wooden horse head atop its neck, usually painted white or black, symbolizing purity and strength. The two strings, traditionally made from horsehair, produce rich, resonant tones that weave through dances and prayers alike.
From campfire gatherings to grand ceremonies, the morin khuur remains the soul of the steppe, uniting people across generations and borders. For travelers seeking an authentic taste of Mongol culture, tuning into its aural tapestry is a journey you wont forget 🌌.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
