Name: The kokle is a wooden chordophone originating from Latvia with a Hornbostel-Sachs classification of 314.122
Description: Many kokles today have nine to eleven strings (but can have as many as thirty-three) that are tuned to the diatonic scale. It is typically played by setting the instrument down horizontally (on one's lap or a table) and plucking the strings with the right index finger while the left hand mutes chosen strings.

Origins: The kokle originated from Latvia in the 13th century (inventor is unknown)
History: The earliest kokle discovered was dated back to 1282 while the first written testimony was in 1710 and the first tune was in 1891. The instrument made an appearance in pop culture in the 1930's with the first kokle recordings being created for movie soundtracks. In the 1970's and 80's, the kokle became an important part of the folklore movement.

Similar to: gusli, kantele, kannel
Family: Baltic psalteries

External links: Arts of Piekūns
Skyforger

Example uses: "Over the Rainbow"
"China"