Kusle
String instrument
Other nameskarsh, kysle, kjusle and kiusle
Classification Chordophone
Hornbostel–Sachs classification314.122-5
(Diatonic lute-type stringed instrument played using bare hands and fingers)
Related instruments
Krez, gusli, kantele

Kusle (Meadow Mari: кӱсле, Northwestern Mari: кӹсле or 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.[1] The instrument is played in the lap, with both hands, and was played on some occasions such as ritual sacrifices, and to accompany dancing.[2] Kusle is described as resembling the Russian gusli or the Finnish kantele.[3]

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.[4]

See also

References

  1. ^ Toivo Vuorela; American Council of Learned Societies (1964). The Finno-Ugric peoples. Indiana University. p. 251. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ Gyula Décsy (2002). Eurasian studies yearbook. Eurolingua. Retrieved 17 June 2012.
  4. ^ Anthony Baines (1969). Musical Instruments Through the Ages. Penguin Books. p. 206. Retrieved 17 June 2012.


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