The kobyz is an ancient double-stringed instrument from Central Asia.

Origin: Kazakhstan

Description: two horsehair strings (modern versions may have four) and a resonating cavity covered with goat leather. Carved from wood of a tree that a shaman chooses. Small bells are tied and sometimes a mirror added to the inner cavity.

Usage/History: Traditionally sacred, owned by shamans or baqsy (traditional healers). Legends say its music can banish sickness and evil spirits. Held between the legs, played similarly to the cello.

Related instruments:
dombra (https://musicbrainz.org/instrument/115d7724-356c-4086-be40-2fef51415260)
bağlama (https://musicbrainz.org/instrument/2dd967cd-104e-4696-8a70-0f6fd37779e7)
saz (https://musicbrainz.org/instrument/ce9452ac-917f-4cab-ab13-75996816202b)

References:
http://kobyzbook.kz/Home/About
https://izi.travel/ru/5c2e-kobyz/en
https://www.jstor.org/stable/4497050?seq=1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobyz (note: seems to be combining two instruments)
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/kazakhstan/articles/an-introduction-to-folk-instruments-the-kazakh-kobyz/

Image links:
http://www.unesco.org/artcollection/NavigationAction.do?idOeuvre=2748

Audio:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5mXo6WUU80 (Gulzhan Djumataeva, Atyrau, 2012)