Chibetej

Khakas traditional music is the folk and ritual music of the Khakas people of South Siberia (Republic of Khakassia, Russia). It centers on epic storytelling, overtone-rich throat-singing (often called kai/khai), and a distinctive set of indigenous instruments. Core timbres come from the chatkhan (a long zither), jaw harp (temir-khomus), shamanic frame drum (tüngür), and various flutes, with vocals ranging from clear narrative chant to deep, droning overtone techniques. Melodies tend to be pentatonic or modal, with narrow ranges, drones, and flexible, speech-like rhythm in epic recitation. Themes reflect steppe life, hero epics, nature, animist/shamanic cosmology, and communal memory. While ancient in origin, the tradition continues today through ensembles, community bearers, and staged folklore performances.