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The drymba, or jaw harp, is more than just an instrument—it is a voice of the Carpathians, carrying echoes of Ukraine’s past. Some believe that Hutsul molfars (Carpathian shamans) used its hypnotic sounds in their rituals, sensing a deep connection between its vibrations and the unseen world. The earliest known jaw harps in Ukrainian lands date back to the 9th–12th centuries during Kyivan Rus, proving that this simple yet powerful instrument has been part of the region’s musical heritage for over a millennium.

 

Among the people, the drymba’s unique shape was often associated with the female body. As Ukrainian writer Mariia Matios beautifully described it:

 

“You lose track of night and day because only a woman’s body shudders so luxuriously under a gentle touch, just like the drymba under the fingers.”

 

Handcrafted by a skilled artisan, this drymba is made using traditional techniques to ensure rich resonance and authenticity. Its metallic frame and flexible reed create a distinctive, vibrating sound that changes with the movement of the mouth and breath. Compact and durable, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced players, bringing the ancient echoes of Ukrainian music into the modern world.

Hutsul Drymba - Traditional Ukrainian Jaw Harp

$38.00Price
Quantity
  • Material: Hand-forged metal

    Sound: Deep, vibrating tones that adapt to breath and mouth movement

    Playing technique: Plucked with fingers while using the mouth as a resonator

    Origin: Handmade in the Carpathian region, Ukraine

    Size: 5 × 4 cm (≈ 1.97 × 1.57 inches)

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