The Connection between the Female Cult and the Stringed Instrument Morin Khuur in the Traditional Culture of Mongolian Peoples

Abstract

The author argues that there is a connection between morin khuur (a stringed instrument encountered among Mongolian peoples) and the female cult, and that it can be traced through ritual practices, accessories and folklore. This object may have been initially made in the shape of a scoop and white horse hair may have been used too. It was an accessory for communicating with the other world by older, more knowledgeable, and skillful women that personifi ed the image of Mother the progenitor (udaganki) during ritual activities. It was also attached the sacred function of Sun the progenitor and was dedicated to a female deity. Additionally, men playing this instrument (uligershiny) were likewise vested with this quality.