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Mukkuri

The mukkuri is a tension jaw harp of the Ainu people of Hokkaido in Northern Japan. Traditionally played by women, Mukkuri are quite difficult to sound due to their very thick tongue, and take some practice. Mukkuri are now sold in Japan as tourist items. The Ainu are the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and possibly related to indigenous peoples in Siberia and western Canada, however this instrument cannot be found in the latter cultures. Mukkuri are usually made from wood or bamboo.

Country: Japan
Region: Asia
Type: jaw harps

Mukkuri
 - jaw harp of the Ainu people of Japan
©  R. Raine-Reusch, May 2002