Kairak

Kairak

 

(in Uzbek and Tadzhik, kairok), stone castanets, four flat, oblong stones measuring 120–150 mm long and 50–70 mm wide. The stones are ground naturally, for example, in mountain streams. These instruments served as accompaniment to dances and performances by tightrope walkers and walkers on stilts. Their use was rather widespread. In the early 20th century, Kairaki were used in Bukhara, Tashkent, and Fergana Oblast. They are among the instruments in the Orchestra of Folk Instruments of the Uzbek SSR. Kairaki are seldom used among the people.