Davaajav Daram is one of the well-known Master instrument makers of Morin Khuur or known as “Horse-head fiddle” in Mongolia. Davaajav started his apprenticeship in 1996, while he was a Film Directing student at the Film School in Ulaanbaatar. His teacher’s name is P. Baigaljav, a renowned Master instrument maker, the State Honoured Artist of Mongolia, who runs his instrument making company “Egshiglen Magnai“. After his apprenticeship with Master Baigaljav, Davaajav continued on working as an instrument maker at the company.
Since 2012, Davaajav established his own company “Uyangatsogt Amgalan” with the blessing of his beloved teacher. In addition to his Morin Khuur making expertise, his portfolio includes a wide range of Mongolian national musical instruments and accessories.
With 18 years of professional experience under his belt, Davaajav also creates classic European musical instruments such as; cello. Currently, he employes 5 junior instrument makers, whom he teaches the instrument making skills.
His contribution to the arts was recognised by the Government of Mongolia, and awarded him the honour of “Leading Cultural Worker of Mongolia”.
Our partner Davaajav Daram
In the instrument making studio
Instrument makers
Musical instruments
Instrument makers at work
Passing on his skills
Instrument maker at work
Our partner Davaajav Daram
“The Morin Khuur, known as “horse-head fiddle” after the ornamental horse-head adorning its upper end, has figured prominently in Mongolian culture for over seven hundred years. The two-stringed instrument is an essential part of ceremonies, rituals and everyday life in nomadic Mongolian society.
Responding to UNESCO’s 2003 proclamation of the Traditional Music of the Morin Khuur as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the project under discussion was implemented between 2005 and 2007 by a team of the Mongolian Commission for UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture, and the Center of Intangible Heritage.”
Source: http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/RL/00068
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