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Civilization Object No. 051
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Mongolian Khoomei (Throat Singing)

蒙古族呼麦

A mesmerizing overtone singing technique where Mongolian vocalists produce multiple pitches at once, mimicking the sounds of nature.

dna Heritage DNA
history Origin

Ancient, originating in the Altai region

category Domain

traditional music

verified Level

UNESCO Intangible Heritage

pin_drop Region

North China

pulse Status

active

person Key Masters
person

Baatarchuluun

national

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Khoomei is a remarkable Mongolian overtone singing technique where a single vocalist produces two or more pitches simultaneously — a low fundamental drone with a whistling melody of harmonics. Originating in the Altai Mountains, it mimics the sounds of nature: flowing rivers, howling winds, and birdsong. Styles include kharkhiraa (deep), isgeree (whistling), and khamryn (nasal).

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Skills & Techniques

Mongolian Khoomei Overtone Singing expand_more

The technique of producing two or more pitches simultaneously through controlled manipulation of the vocal tract, creating a low drone with harmonic overtones.

Steps

  1. Learn diaphragmatic breathing for sustained exhalation
  2. Practice producing a low fundamental drone from the chest
  3. Shape the mouth and throat to select specific overtones
  4. Master the three main styles: kharkhiraa (deep), isgeree (whistling), khamryn (nasal)
  5. Combine drone and melody by adjusting tongue position and lip aperture
  6. Imitate natural sounds — flowing rivers, wind, birdsong — through throat manipulation

Tools

none (vocal-only technique)

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Relationship Constellation

This heritage item connects to 7 entities across the atlas — masters, places, festivals, and stories.

pin_drop Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region location person Urtiin Duu — Mongolian Long Song ich build Mongolian Khoomei Overtone Singing skill person Baatarchuluun inheritor person North China region person Mongol ethnic-group person Urtiin Duu — Mongolian Long Song ich
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