MONGOLIAN FOLK INSTRUMENT MORIN KHUUR: CULTURAL-HISTORICAL GENESIS AND IDENTIFICATION
Purpose: to reveal the genesis of morin khuur as an ethnic "horse instrument" embodying a unique layer of Mongolian folk music culture based on the principle of "respect for antiquity", understanding and perception of music as a reflection of nature; to formulate recommendations for the popularization of the traditional model of morin khuur as a carrier of the cultural code of Mongolian nomadic culture. Methodology and Approach. The author used comparative-analytical methods (in field studies in Outer and Inner Mongolia and while preparing encyclopedic reference materials); method of historical reconstruction (to reflect the stages of evolution of ancient Mongolian instruments; general philosophical methods and principles, contextual and cultural-historical approaches (to conceptualize ethnic Mongolian music). Results. It is proved that the birth of the traditional morin khuur was the result of a long evolution of the ancient Mongolian instruments of the period of mining - hunting and nomadic cultures metaphorically represented by a "horse harp". The author suggests the original typology of morin huur family instruments and makes recommendations to promote the instrument and enhance its "image" in musical education system and culture of China. Theoretical and / or Practical Implications. The value of the research is in the author's original ideas (including practical ones) which can be of interest to craftsmen, specialists in modern morin huur; in field (expedition) studies; interpretation of the cycle of legends associated with morin huur; in the development of a philosophical definition of morin huur reflecting its sound and design specifics; in recommendations for the popularization of morin huur in modern musical and performing culture of Inner Mongolia and China.