Kumuz Explained

Kumuz should not be confused with Komuz.

The kumuz (kum|къумуз, хомус|translit=qumuz, xomus) or agach-kumuz (kum|агъач-къумуз|translit=ağaç-qumuz) is a stringed instrument used by the Kumyks of Dagestan, in the Russian Caucasus. It has three strings and is fretted.^[1] Scholars have noticed the similarity in name to the Kyrgyz komuz, but note the kumuz is perhaps more closely related to the other lutes of the Caucasus.^{[2] [3] [4]}

Legendarily, the Kumyk poet Irchi Kozak cured the sick with the music of his agach-kumuz.^[5]

See also

• Chonguri, Georgian fretless lute
• Panduri, Georgian fretted lute

Notes and References

1. Book: Mark Slobin. Kirgiz Instrumental Music. 24 August 2012. Theodore Front Music. 978-0-614-16459-6. 11–.
2. Book: Mark Slobin. Kirgiz Instrumental Music. 24 August 2012. Theodore Front Music. 978-0-614-16459-6. 11–.
3. https://stringedinstrumentdatabase.aornis.com/datumbazo/a.htm Stringed Instrument Database: A
4. https://atlasofpluckedinstruments.com/middle_east.htm#dagestan Atlas of Plucked Instruments: Dagestan
5. Book: Soi︠u︡z pisateleĭ SSSR.. Soviet literature. 24 August 2012. 1973. Foreign Languages Publishing House. 60.