Sineaaliin

Sineaaliin is a traditional Finnish folk instrument that belongs to the family of bowed string instruments. It is closely related to the Finnish kantele and the Estonian *kannel*, sharing similarities with other Eastern European and Baltic string instruments like the Latvian *kanklēs* and the Lithuanian *kanklės*. The name "sineaaliin" is derived from the Finnish words "sieni" (mushroom) and "aaliin" (a type of fish), though its exact origin is unclear. Some theories suggest it may have been named after the shape of its soundbox, which resembles a mushroom cap, while others propose a connection to the Finnish word for "string" or "bow."

The sineaaliin typically features a wooden body with a curved soundboard, often made from pine or spruce, and a long, narrow neck. It is played with a horsehair bow, similar to a violin, and has multiple strings, usually ranging from six to twelve, though some variations may have more. The instrument is tuned to a specific scale, often in a pentatonic or diatonic arrangement, and produces a warm, resonant tone with a distinctive Finnish folk character. It is often used in traditional Finnish music, particularly in the regions of Karelia and Savonia, where it has been a part of oral and musical heritage for centuries.

The sineaaliin is sometimes confused with the *sineviiri*, another Finnish bowed string instrument, but the two are distinct. While the sineviiri has a more complex structure and is often played with a different technique, the sineaaliin is simpler in design and construction. Both instruments are rare outside of Finland, and their use has declined in modern times due to the influence of Western classical and popular music. However, efforts by Finnish folk music revivalists have helped preserve the sineaaliin as a cultural artifact, and it occasionally appears in contemporary folk performances and recordings.