TEMIR KOMUZ

The TEMIR KOMUZ is a musical symbol of Kyrgyz people. This instrument can be extremely small and is probably better known in the west as the “jew’s harp”, or "jaws harp" and variations are found in Yakutia and Tuva (Russian Federation), Britain, Norway, America, France and even in Australia.

The origins of the TEMIR KOMUZ are lost in obscurity. There is no doubt, however, that it has an ancient lineage. It is known by a number of names throughout the world. The first European mention of the instrument is a Dutch customs document ... and this seems to clearly identify it as a "jews harp" which is the oldest recorded name for the instrument - the designation "jaws harp" came much later ... it is not encountered until the mid eighteenth century.

There is older evidence however, including a miniature enamel in New College, Oxford (one of a series depicting angels playing a variety of musical instruments), on the 14th century Swedish coat of arms of the Trompii family, and on a Chinese drawing dating from the 4th century BC.

It has been suggested that the metal version that Kyrgyz people have now is evolved from wooden or bamboo instruments developed in Asia, (perhaps Indonesia) - similar to the Jygach ooz komuz. The instrument then made its way to Europe either along the trading routes of the Silk Road around the thirteenth century.

Made of iron, (the name means “iron komuz”), it is a subtle musical instrument represented in a variety of shapes, sizes and methods of playing.

Most commonly, it is shaped in the form of a broken, stretched circle with two prongs, and attached to the center steel plate. The shape and size of the instrument govern the fundamental note that the reed produces. The sound is made by placing the prongs between the lips and striking the steel plate and adjusting the shape of the hollow of the mouth. The mouth acts as a "sound box" - the shape of the mouth and placing of the tongue changes the timbre of the notes. To produce a lower note the tongue is placed at the bottom of the mouth and to produce a higher note it is placed to the top of the mouth.

Although in Kyrgyzstan men sometimes play the instrument it is more usual to see it played by women.

Tradition has it that the sound of a TEMIR KOMUZ being played near the cradle of a new born infant, then the baby will grow up clever, gifted and eloquent.

Source: <http://www.advantour.com/kyrgyzstan/culture/music.htm>