FACTOID # 176: Russia produces more natural gas than the next six countries combined, and has over a quarter of the world's proven gas reserves.
 
 Home   Encyclopedia   Statistics   Countries A-Z   Flags   Maps   Education   Forum   FAQ   About 
 
WHAT'S NEW
RECENT ARTICLES
More Recent Articles »
 

Encyclopedia > Jaw harp
Jew's harp, from an camp near
Enlarge
Jew's harp, from an American Civil War camp near Winchester, Virginia
Jew's harp, , Central Europe
Enlarge
Jew's harp, Slovakia, Central Europe

The Jew's harp is one of the oldest musical instruments in the world. Originally called a trump or gewgaw, in different cultures it is known as the jaw harp, khomuz, kubyz, mungiga, munnharpe, drumbľa or vargan, among other names.


The instrument is an idiophone consisting of a flexible metal or bamboo tongue attached to a frame. This tongue is placed in the performer's mouth and plucked with the finger to produce a note. The note thus produced is constant in pitch, though by changing the shape of his or her mouth and the amount of air contained in it the performer can cause different overtones to sound and thus perform simple melodies.


There are many theories for the origin of the name Jew's harp (see the external links below), one being that it may derive from its popularity amongst Eurasian steppe-peoples like the Khazars, perhaps being introduced to Europe from that direction. A likely explanation is that it is a corruption of "jaw harp", while a less likely explanation espoused by some is that its name comes from "juice harp" from the amount of saliva produced while being played.


External links


  Results from FactBites:
 
History Lives (865 words)
Jaw harps were among the items traded by peddlers in the early American settlements, and later entertained the pioneers on their long treks west.
Known variously as jaw harp, Jew’s harp, and juice harp, the most often recorded name for this instrument is trump.
The note the jaw harp produces depends upon the dimensions of its vibrating tongue, with interesting effects produced by changes in the player’s breathing patterns.
  More results at FactBites »

 

COMMENTARY     


Share your thoughts, questions and commentary here
Your name
Your location
Your comments
Please enter the 5-letter protection code


Lesson Plans | Student Area | Student FAQ | Reviews | Press Releases |  Feeds | Contact
The Wikipedia article included on this page is licensed under the GFDL.
Images may be subject to relevant owners' copyright.
All other elements are (c) copyright NationMaster.com 2003-5. All Rights Reserved.
Usage implies agreement with terms.