Morin Khuur
The Horsehead Fiddle, or Morin Khuur, is a traditional Mongolian bowed string instrument known for its deep, resonant tones. The Morin Khuur holds cultural significance in Mongolia, often used in folk music rituals, and story telling mimics the sounds of nature and horses.
The ikel, a traditional instrument from Western Mongolia, is believed to be the precursor to the modern Morin Khuur. Over time, the design of the ikel evolved, with its head being shaped into that of a horse, the resonating box covered with leather, and the strings replaced with horsehair, traditionally played with a bow strung with horse-tail hair. The original form of the Morin Khuur continues to be used in Western Mongolia today.
The Morin Khuur typically features a rectangular-shaped wooden box, with the head designed to resemble a horse’s head, which gives the instrument its name and visual identity. The horse’s head carving is an iconic element, representing both the style and symbolic significance of the instrument. The strings, traditionally made from horsehair, contribute to the Morin Khuur's distinctive and melodious sound.
The instrument consists of three main components: the neck, the resonating box, and the bow. In greater detail, it includes the intricately carved horse head at the top of the neck, tuners designed as horse ears, a box that serves as the resonating chamber, and the strings that extend from the top of the neck to the top of the box. Additionally, a wooden tool, known as the zokhi, is placed to separate the strings from the neck, and the bow, or taikh, completes the instrument.
1. Head Horse
2. Tuning Peg - upper
3. Tuning Peg - lower
4. Bridge - upper
5. Neck
6. Finaer Board
7. String Horse Hair - b
8. String Horse Hair - f
9. Bridge - lower
10. Tail Piece
11. Tailgut
12. Bow
13. Bow String - Horse Hair
14. Body
15. FF-FF, Hole - Sound Hole
The Morin Khuur produces a wide range of pitches, with its strings typically spanning from F in the lower octave to F in the third octave, giving it a versatile tonal range for expressive performance.
Ajnai Ensemble was founded in 2024 in the picturesque Rocky Mountains of Colorado by families with a deep love for music and cultural heritage. The ensemble is led by the dedicated and talented teacher, Mr. Ariunbold Mijiddorj, alongside his gifted students, who together create the heart and soul of Ajnai Ensemble.
Our mission is to introduce and celebrate the unique sounds of the Mongolian Horsehead Fiddle (Morin Khuur), a traditional instrument with a rich history and cultural significance. Through our music, we aim to connect people with the soulful melodies and deep traditions of Mongolia, while fostering a community of passionate musicians dedicated to preserving and sharing this remarkable art form.
Whether through performances, educational outreach, or cultural exchange, Ajnai Ensemble strives to bring the beauty and power of Mongolian music to audiences far and wide.
