kusle
Kusle or karsh (Meadow and Northwestern Mari: кӓрш) is a Mari plucked string instrument (chordophone). It has 12-20 strings and is shaped like a semi-circle. The instrument is played in the lap, with both hands, and was played on some occasions such as ritual sacrifices, and to accompany dancing.
Also recorded as karsh · kysle · kjusle · kiusle
kusle
- Name
- Kusle
- Field
- musical instrument
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Documentary summary
Kusle or karsh (Meadow and Northwestern Mari: кӓрш) is a Mari plucked string instrument (chordophone). It has 12-20 strings and is shaped like a semi-circle. The instrument is played in the lap, with both hands, and was played on some occasions such as ritual sacrifices, and to accompany dancing.
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wikidata · Q12810474 · wikipedia · Kusle
In this article
Overview
Overview
Described as resembling the Russian gusli or the Finnish kantele. Organologist Anthony Baines noted in 1969, regarding the medieval Russian gusli: "..and the instrument has latterly been revived, notably in the Mari province by the Volga".
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Kusle • Background — string • Names — karsh, kysle, kjusle and kiusle • Classification — Chordophone • Hornbostel Sachs — 314.122-5 • Hornbostel Sachs Desc — Diatonic lute-type stringed instrument played using bare hands and fingers • Related — Krez, gusli, kantele
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 14 August 2026.
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