käändesharja

Käänndesharja is a traditional Estonian musical instrument. It is a type of jaw harp, also known as a Jew's harp or mouth harp, that produces sound when vibrated by the player's tongue and breath. The instrument typically consists of a flexible metal or reed lamella that is attached to a frame. The frame is held against the player's teeth or lips, and the lamella is plucked or struck. By altering the shape of the oral cavity, the player can change the resonance and thus the timbre and pitch of the sound produced.

The exact origins of the käändesharja are not precisely documented, but jaw harps have a long history across many cultures. In Estonia, the käändesharja has been used for folk music and often for personal entertainment. Its construction can vary, with some examples being quite simple while others are more elaborately decorated. The sound produced is often described as buzzing, humming, or twanging, and it can be used to play melodies or simply create rhythmic textures. While perhaps less common today than in previous generations, the käändesharja remains a part of Estonia's rich musical heritage. It is a relatively simple instrument to play in its most basic form, but mastery allows for complex musical expression.