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- The psaltery (kankles) is one of the oldest Lithuanian folk stringed instruments. Information about kankles can be found in Lithuanian folk songs, tales, legends, often reaching the times when Lithuanians were pagans and believed that a man’s soul can dwell in a tree or in kankles and speak or sob in a man’s voice.
In the historical sources the kankles are mentioned for the first time in the 16th century.
Kankles can be divided into three groups: primary, simple and complex. Gouged from one piece of wood, the primary kankles are the most ancient and primitive. The simple kankles are also gouged from one piece of wood but they are larger, have more (from 9 to 12) strings, and are made with greater artistry. The complex are glued up of separate parts: the ends, the sides, the soundboard and the back. The strings of the kankles were made of catgut or iron or steel wire.
- Simple Kankles
Measurements: 29x7 1/2x2 1/2 inches (72x19x6 cm)
Zippered case and metal tuner included
- Vilnius, Lithuania
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