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Ainu Musical Instrument: Mukkuri

akikohirai

Updated: Dec 12, 2021



The mukkuri is a jew harp, which is a traditional Ainu musical instrument. It is generally practiced by females.


It is made of bamboo, and its size is generally between 10cm and 15 cm.


To make sound with this instrument, the player places it in front of their mouth, pulls the cord so that it vibrates the leed. You can change notes by changing the shape of your mouth.


Here is an Ainu musician/singer, Ando Umeko (1932-2004) playing mukkuri. From her album: Ihunke. She was born in Fushiko kotan, in Obihiro-shi, Hokkaido. She was very famous as Ainu musician and singer but also her activities for the promotion and conservation of Ainu culture.









 
 

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