Tovshuur
Mongolian Tovshuur | |
| String instrument | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Tovshuur, Topshuur, Topshur, Toshpulúr, Tavshur, ; |
| Classification | |
| Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 321.321 |
| Related instruments | |
| Komuz, Dombra, Doshpuluur, Balalaika, Sanxian | |
| Musicians | |
| Temuulen Naranbaatar (The HU), Batzorig Vaanchig, Altai Kai | |
The tovshuur, also known as topshur or topshuur (Mongolian Cyrillic: товшуур; Mongolian: ᠲᠣᠪᠰᠢᠭᠤᠷ, romanized: tobshiğur) is a two- or three-stringed lute played by the Western Mongolian (Oirats) tribes called the Altai Urianghais, the Altais, Tuvans, and Khalkha peoples. The topshur is closely tied to the folklore of Western Mongolian people and accompanied the performances of storytellers, singing, and dancing. According to descriptions given by Marco Polo, the Mongols also played the instruments before a battle.