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Morin Khuur

Purevadavaa Baigalgav Mongolian

2001

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 681

Carved finials on Mongolian stringed instruments often depict real or fantastic animals, and decoration may include Buddhist emblems. Traditionally associated with horse cult rituals and used to calm animals and accompany epic songs and dances, it has been adapted for modern urban performance. This ornate version was decorated for ceremonial state occasions.

#"Queen Mandukhai" a traditional song that utilizes three types of Mongolian throat singing. Performed by Battuvshin.

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Morin Khuur, Purevadavaa Baigalgav (Mongolian), Wood, hide, horsehair, polychrome, Mongolian — Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Morin Khuur, Purevadavaa Baigalgav (Mongolian), Wood, hide, horsehair, polychrome, Mongolian

Morin Khuur, Purevadavaa Baigalgav (Mongolian), Wood, hide, horsehair, polychrome, Mongolian

Morin Khuur, Purevadavaa Baigalgav (Mongolian), Wood, hide, horsehair, polychrome, Mongolian

Morin Khuur, Purevadavaa Baigalgav (Mongolian), Wood, hide, horsehair, polychrome, Mongolian

Morin Khuur, Purevadavaa Baigalgav (Mongolian), Wood, hide, horsehair, polychrome, Mongolian

Morin Khuur, Purevadavaa Baigalgav (Mongolian), Wood, hide, horsehair, polychrome, Mongolian

Morin Khuur, Purevadavaa Baigalgav (Mongolian), Wood, hide, horsehair, polychrome, Mongolian

Morin Khuur, Purevadavaa Baigalgav (Mongolian), Wood, hide, horsehair, polychrome, Mongolian

Morin Khuur, Purevadavaa Baigalgav (Mongolian), Wood, hide, horsehair, polychrome, Mongolian

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Played by Battuvshin

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Played by Battuvshin

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Played by Battuvshin

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Finger technique

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bow position

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Finger techique

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Finger techique

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Bowing

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Hand grip

Title: Morin Khuur

Maker: Purevadavaa Baigalgav (Mongolian)

Date: 2001

Geography: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Culture: Mongolian

Medium: Wood, hide, horsehair, polychrome

Dimensions: 49 × 11 1/8 × 3 1/8 in. (124.5 × 28.3 × 8 cm)
Length (Of bow): 32 in. (81.3 cm)

Classification: Chordophone-Lute-bowed-unfretted

Credit Line: Purchase, The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, by exchange, 2002

Accession Number: 2002.128a–c

Chronology

Central and North Asia, 1900 A.D.-present

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Musical Instruments at The Met

The Museum's collection of musical instruments includes approximately 5,000 examples from six continents and the Pacific Islands, dating from about 300 B.C. to the present.