Tuva Republic, Russia

Tuvan Khöömei

Also known as Tuvan Khöömei, Tuvan Xöömei, Tuvan Khoomei, Khöömei, Xöömei

Tuva's extraordinary vocal tradition turns a single human voice into layered drones, whistles and overtones inspired by the sounds of the surrounding landscape.

Origins and context

The tradition developed within Tuvan pastoral and nomadic life, where music is closely connected to landscape, animals and the acoustic textures of the natural environment. Its antiquity is widely acknowledged, but there is no securely documented founding date.

Tuva Republic, Russia

The sound

Characteristics

Overtone singing
Khöömei vocal technique
Sygyt high overtone style
Kargyraa low-register style
Igil bowed lute
Doshpuluur plucked lute
Khomus jaw harp
Kengirge frame drum

History

Tuvan throat singing, commonly referred to by the Tuvan term khöömei or xöömei, developed within the pastoral culture of Tuva in southern Siberia. Its beginnings cannot be dated securely because knowledge was transmitted orally across generations. The tradition is closely connected with herding, horses and the acoustic environment of the steppe, with performers historically imitating or evoking wind, water, birds and other natural sounds. Tuvan performers developed several recognizable techniques, including khöömei, sygyt and kargyraa, alongside embellishing styles such as borbangnadyr and ezenggileer. During the late twentieth century, musicians including Kongar-ol Ondar and groups such as Huun-Huur-Tu brought Tuvan throat singing to international audiences. Ensembles including Alash have continued the tradition while occasionally combining traditional instruments and vocal techniques with contemporary musical influences.