Jang

In terms of structure it is a harp-like stringged musical instrument. Its date of emergence dates back to very ancient times. In particular, the early forms of the jang with the fine and delicate sound , used in palace parties, belong to Mesopotamian and Egyptian civilizations.

During the archeological excavations near the city of Barda, which was the ancient cultural center in IV-III centuries BC, the piece of ceramic ware found with description of woman playing on jang. It is known from the historical sources that the jang used in Middle Ages, in Azerbaijan has approximately 18-24 strings. In written sources and miniature works of art the information about jang is very scare. 

It is presumed that word jang means to keep, to settle down. Its oblong and arch like forms the jang. The fish skin was covered on open surface of body and oblong part fixed on lower part acts as arm. Tuning pegs are located in this section. One end of strings fixed to metal pins located on leather, and other on wooden tuning pegs.

The restored jang has 30 strings made of silk thread and intestine. The total height of jang is 930 mm, overall height of the instrument is 850 mm, and length of arm is 665 mm.

It consists of 30 sounds with chromatic row. Its diapason is from small octave’s sol to the second octave’s si sound. Jang is considered to be solo and ensemble instrument.