| Kusle | |
| Background: | string |
| Names: | karsh, kysle, kjusle and kiusle |
| Classification: | Chordophone |
| Hornbostel Sachs: | 314.122-5 |
| Hornbostel Sachs Desc: | Diatonic lute-type stringed instrument played using bare hands and fingers |
| Related: | Krez, gusli, kantele |
Kusle (Meadow Mari: кӱсле, Northwestern Mari: кӹсле or кӹслӓ) or karsh (Meadow and Northwestern Mari: кӓрш) is a Mari plucked string instrument (chordophone). It has 12-20 strings and is shaped like a semi-circle.[1] The instrument is played in the lap, with both hands, and was played on some occasions such as ritual sacrifices, and to accompany dancing.[2] Kusle is described as resembling the Russian gusli or the Finnish kantele.[3]
Organologist Anthony Baines noted in 1969, regarding the medieval Russian gusli: ...and the instrument has latterly been revived, notably in the Mari province by the Volga.[4]