On the vast grasslands of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the soulful strains of Sambuu’s morin khuur echo a cultural legacy spanning eight centuries. The horse-head fiddle, recognized by both China and UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage treasure, continues to thrive through artisans like Sambuu – a musician determined to keep Mongolia’s 'living instrument' alive for modern audiences.
Strings of History
Born from nomadic traditions, the morin khuur’s origins trace to 13th-century legends of a grieving herder immortalizing his loyal steed through music. Its carved horsehead scroll and haunting timbre – mimicking wind, hoofbeats, and equine cries – remain unchanged through generations. 'When I play, I feel connected to every herder who came before me,' Sambuu reflects.
Grassroots Revival
Since first picking up the bow at 17, Sambuu has taught over 200 students across Xinjiang while collaborating with folk bands to reinvent traditional melodies. 'Young people think heritage is old-fashioned until they hear how dynamic our music can be,' he says. His workshops blend technical mastery with oral storytelling, ensuring both skills and cultural context endure.
Echoes of Tomorrow
As global interest in Asian folk traditions grows, Sambuu’s work exemplifies how cultural preservation fuels innovation. Recent performances blending morin khuur with electronic beats have attracted international festival invitations. 'This instrument survived empires and revolutions,' Sambuu notes. 'Now it’s our turn to help it speak to new generations.'
