Albanian Lahuta, Lahute instrument (gusle)

It is one of the oldest and most primitive instruments in Europe, with it's origin in Albania. The instrument is always accompanied by singing; musical folklore, specifically epic poetry which in Albania are called The Kângë Kreshnikësh ("Songs of Heroes")

Lahuta is a cordophone musical instrument. The body of the lahuta is made mainly of maple wood, but it can also be made of crackle, mulberry, walnut and alder wood. The lahuta head is mainly carved in the shape of a goat's head, same as Albanian National hero's helmet, Skanderbeg's.

There are also lahuta who have Skanderbeg's helmet, the Eagle, etc. engraved on their heads. The sound is produced by arching the tail of the lahuta, while the chords are changed by touching the tail with the fingers of the other hand. Lahutari plays in lahute sitting cross-legged or in a chair.

Note: The pattern on the top might be slightly different from the picture.