The Igil (Tuvan: игил) is a two- stringed instrument from Tuva, a region in southern Siberia, Russia. It is called "ikili" in Western Mongolia. It is closely associated with Tuvan folk music and throat singing traditions. The instrument is known for its deep, resonant, and expressive sound, often used to accompany epic storytelling and folk songs. Traditionally, the body is carved from a single piece of wood, often from pine or larch.The top of the instrument is left open or covered with animal skin to enhance resonance.The instrument often features a scroll carved in the shape of a horse’s head at the top of the neck, symbolizing the importance of horses in Tuvan culture.
