Kyl kyyak

Infobox Instrument
name=Kyl kyyak
names=Kıl Kıyak


classification=
*Bowed instruments
*Continuous pitch instruments
range=
related=
*Gadulka
*Gudok
*Gusle
*Rebab
*Kamancheh
*Cretan lira
*Kobyz
*Shichepshin

The kyl kyyak (Kyrgyz: кыл кыяк IPA2|qɯl qɯˈjɑq) (sometimes spelt kyl kiak and sometimes without the 'kyl') is a stringed musical instrument used in Kyrgyz music. The instrument is carved from a single piece of wood (typically apricot) and typically measures 60-70cm. It has 2 strings, one to provide melody and the other resonance. The kyl kyyak is played vertically with a bow and can be played on horseback. The strings and bow are normally made from horse hair and many instruments feature a carved horse's head. This all reflects the importance of the horse in Kyrgyz rural culture. The Kyrgyz word кыл/qyl means "string of an instrument" or "horse's hair".

References

*http://www.svetlanasbrides.com/kyrgyzstan/culture/music.htm
*http://www.kyrgyzmusic.com/