| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | karsh, kysle, kjusle and kiusle |
| Classification | Chordophone |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 314.122-5 (Diatonic lute-type stringed instrument played using bare hands and fingers) |
| Related instruments | |
| Krez, gusli, kantele | |
Kusle (Meadow Mari: кӱсле; Northwestern Mari: кӹсле, кӹслӓ) or karsh (Meadow and Northwestern Mari: кӓрш) is a Mari plucked string instrument (chordophone). It has 12-20 strings and is shaped like a semi-circle. The instrument is played in the lap, with both hands, and was played on some occasions such as ritual sacrifices, and to accompany dancing. Kusle is described as resembling the Russian gusli or the Finnish kantele.
Organologist Anthony Baines noted in 1969, regarding the medieval Russian gusli: "...and the instrument has latterly been revived, notably in the Mari province by the Volga".
See also
References
- Toivo Vuorela; American Council of Learned Societies (1964). The Finno-Ugric peoples. Indiana University. p. 251. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
- Paul Friedrich (14 January 1994). Encyclopedia of World Cultures: Russia and Eurasia, China. G.K. Hall. p. 258. ISBN 978-0-8161-1810-6. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
- Gyula Décsy (2002). Eurasian studies yearbook. Eurolingua. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
- Anthony Baines (1969). Musical Instruments Through the Ages. Penguin Books. p. 206. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
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