Angkouch

The angkouch (Khmer: អង្គួច) is a Cambodian jaw's harp.[1] It is a folk instrument made of bamboo and carved into a long, flat shape with a hole in the center and a tongue of bamboo across the hole.[2] The bamboo is not removable, which makes the instrument an idioglot.

Two examples of an angkouch, a folk instrument. The instrument is played when a person puts the hole to their lips and plucks the instrument's reed, which produces a rattling sound.

There is also a metal variety, more round or tree-leaf shaped.[2] It may also have metal bells attached.[2]

The instrument is both a wind instrument and percussion instrument.[1][2] As a wind instrument, it is played by placing it against the mouth and plucking the reed.[2] The hand holding the instrument holds it with the thumb and forefinger facing each other, holding it firmly. This adds mass to the instrument and makes it louder. The mouth acts as a resonator and as a tool to alter the sound. Although mainly a folk instrument, better-made examples exist.[2] While the instrument was thought to be the invention of children herding cattle, it is sometimes used in public performance, to accompany the Mahori music in public dancing.[2]

References
  1. Poss, M.D. "Cambodian Bamboo Jew's Harps". mouthmusic.com. Retrieved 27 October 2018. ...these bamboo Jew's harps are easy to hold and may be longer lasting due to being made of thicker material than many other similar instruments. Held against the lips, they are easy to play and offer the same full, percussive sound as the "Kubings."
  2. Khean, Yun; Dorivan, Keo; Lina, Y; Lenna, Mao. Traditional Musical Instruments of Cambodia (PDF). Kingdom of Cambodia: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. pp. 146–147.
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