The mouth harp or jaw harp is an instrument with an ancient history. By archaeological finds its origin can be traced back approximately 4000 years, with the oldest known examples being found in Shaanxi, China on the neolithic site of Shimao. The mouth harp has been, and still is nowadays, used in many different regions. Its exact construction and appearance may vary with the different cultures and traditions, but overall it consists of some sort of stable frame with a flexible tongue attached in it. The frame is held firmly against the teeth or lips (depending on the type), with the mouth being slightly opened so the flexible tongue can vibrate freely and the sounds of the vibrations are being in increased in volume by using the hollow of the mouth as resonator. By changing the shape of the mouth and the amount of air contained in it, and sometimes also involving the opening and closing of the glottis along with it, different tones and sound effects can be produced.
The type of mouth harps in our webshop are called ‘khomus’. This traditional style is closely connected to the cultural identity of Turkic people living in Siberia, Central Asia and Ural regions, where it is especially well-known in Yakutian, Tuvan and Kyrgyz traditions.
The characteristic sounds of a khomus are not only to be found in traditional Turkic folk music, but also have a very old and rich history in their usage in shamanic traditions. There are many aspects to consider in this regard. For example;
* the vibrations and sounds produced by a khomus are known to quite quickly alter the state of consciousness, bringing the person playing it (and often also his audience) into a trance state from where he can more easily communicate with the spirit world.
* the sounds and vibrations are said to have a direct effect on the energetic layers of the body, making it possible to use it as an instrument for energetic cleaning, balancing and healing, which of course also effects the well-being of the body on a physical level.
* the characteristic sounds of the instrument are said to represent the voices of the living nature all around us, and can for example be manipulated to resemble the sounds of different animals. Playing a khomus is believed to establish a connection between the player and the natural world, in which it is possible to directly communicate with nature.
* the instrument itself is sometimes considered to be an amulet and talisman; protecting against negative energy and drawing in good luck. Therefore the khomus is often worn on a cord around the neck.
Here at SeaWolf Shop we are very proud to offer you something really unique; the khomus mouth harps in our webshop have all been handmade by Estonian Spirit of Wolf member Tõnu Talimaa, Aia Kha, shaman Santsai Kam, owner of the “Arhailiste Traditsioonide Keskus” (“Center for Archaic Traditions”) and host to many local and international shamanic gatherings such as the yearly Shamanic Festival in July.
The high quality mouth harps have been modelled to the parameters of the traditional style of Yakutian master-craftsmen. They have been handforged from steel and tuned to a precise pitch. Each one comes with a handmade wooden case, on to which a cord can be attached to wear the khomus around the neck. Being all handmade, each one is slightly different and unique.
The khomus here on the pictures is tuned for an A# pitch. It is 10,5 centimeters long and 3,8 centimeters wide with a 2 centimeters long tongue. The wooden case made to accompany it is 13,2 centimeters long and 4,8 centimeters wide.
