tommark

Tommark is a lesser-known but historically significant type of traditional Norwegian folk music instrument, primarily associated with the coastal regions of Norway. The instrument is a type of small, single-stringed fiddle, often made from locally sourced materials such as wood from pine or birch. Its construction is simple, featuring a curved body, a narrow neck, and a single string stretched between a tuning peg at the top and a bridge near the soundhole. The sound produced is soft and mellow, making it ideal for solo performances or accompaniment in small ensembles.

Tommark is believed to have originated among fishermen and rural communities, where it served both as a musical instrument and a practical tool for storytelling and entertainment during long hours at sea or in isolated farmsteads. The name "tommark" is derived from the Norwegian words "tom" (meaning "empty" or "hollow") and "mark" (referring to the instrument's hollow body), though some regional variations exist, such as "tommark" or "tommarka."

The instrument is traditionally played with a bow, though plucking techniques were also used in certain areas. Its repertoire typically includes folk melodies, dances, and simple tunes passed down orally through generations. While not as widely documented as other Norwegian folk instruments like the hardingfele or the nyckelharpa, tommark holds cultural value as a symbol of Norway’s rural heritage and the resilience of its coastal communities.

Today, tommark remains a niche instrument, with few modern makers producing them. Efforts by folk music enthusiasts and cultural preservationists have helped revive interest in the instrument, though it is not commonly seen in contemporary music scenes. Its unique sound and historical significance continue to fascinate musicians and historians alike, making it an important part of Norway’s intangible cultural legacy.