Art of working and playing with Kamantcheh / kamancha, a bowed musical instrument.

Included in 2017 in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The Kamantcheh / Kamancha (small bow), a stringed string instrument, has existed for over 1.000 years. In the Islamic Republic of Iran and Azerbaijan, it is an important instrument of classical and folk music and in the main musical performances on various social and cultural occasions this instrument is one of the instruments that never fail. Contemporary musicians mainly use a four-stringed Kamantcheh / Kamancha comprising a body and bow made from horsehair and the musicians perform both individually and as part of orchestras. Kamantcheh / Kamancha is an essential instrument of Persian musical culture and, while the making of the instrument represents a direct source of income, the artisans also perceive art as a strong part of the intangible cultural heritage of their communities. Through their music, the artists convey many themes, from mythological to gnostic. Today, knowledge of Kamantcheh / Kamancha execution and construction is transmitted both within families and in state-supported institutions and music schools. Knowledge of the importance of music in promoting cultural identity is transmitted from generation to generation in all strata of society in the country.