Kanklės

Pluck and sweep the strings of a lap zither shown from above; follow lit strings to play folk melodies and the layered 'sutartinės' canon songs.

Heritage note

Part of the living heritage of Lithuania. Some forms of this practice carry deep meaning for the communities who keep it; here we describe the play and the craft only, with respect for its roots.

Origins

Usually placed in the era of Classical Worlds (about 1000 BCE to 500 CE), although its exact origins are uncertain, within the cultural world of Northern and Eastern Europe.