Traditional music of the Tsuur
Title
Traditional music of the Tsuur
Alternative Title
Монгол цуур хөгжмийн уламжлалт урлаг
Publication Type
Language
mon
eng
Location
Mongolia
Keywords
Tsuur
Musical instrument
Tradition
Altai region
Music
Relevance to ICH Safeguarding
ICH Genre
Description
Inscribed in 2009 on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. Tsuur music is based on a combination of instrumental and vocal performance—a blending of sounds created simultaneously by both the musical instrument and the human throat. Tsuur music has an inseparable connection to the Uriankhai Mongolians of the Altai Region and remains an integral part of their daily life. Its origins lie in an ancient practice of worshipping nature and its guardian spirits by emulating natural sounds. The Tsuur is a vertical pipe-shaped wooden wind instrument with three finger holes. Simultaneously touching the mouthpiece of the pipe with one’s front teeth and applying one’s throat produces a unique timbre comprising a clear and gentle whistling sound and a drone. The Tsuur is traditionally played to ensure success for hunts, for benign weather, as a benediction for safe journeys, or for weddings and other festivities. The music reflects one’s inner feelings when traveling alone, connects a human to nature, and serves as a performing art.
Publisher
National Center for Cultural Heritage
Place of Publication
Mongolia
Date of Publication
2022
Academic Field
heritage management
Community/Ethnic Group
Mongolia
Active Contribution
Mongolia, FY 2024