luutta

Luutta is a Finnish word that primarily refers to a lute, a stringed musical instrument. Historically, the lute gained prominence in Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It is characterized by its pear-shaped body, fretted neck, and typically a bent-back pegbox. Lutes are plucked or strummed, and their sound varies depending on the size and number of strings. Finnish musical traditions, like many European ones, have incorporated instruments similar to the lute.

The term "luutta" can also extend to a broader category of plucked string instruments in some contexts, though its most direct translation and common usage is for the lute. The instrument's construction and playing technique have evolved over centuries, influencing various musical genres and compositions. While the lute is less common in mainstream modern music, it remains a significant instrument in historical performance practice and certain folk music traditions. The word itself reflects the historical connection and adoption of Western musical instruments into Finnish culture.