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Which peoples and regions are included in the study of Central Asian music?
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Central Asian arts
Mongol shaman wearing a ritual gown and holding a drum with the image of a spirit helper, c. 1909.
The study of Central Asian music encompasses a vast geographic region extending from the Caspian Sea to the Xinjiang region of northwestern China, historically linked by ancient caravan routes.1
The scope of this musical study includes the following peoples and regions:
- Turkistan: Focuses on the traditions of Afghanistan and the sedentary populations of the region.1
- Nomadic and Siberian Peoples: Includes Turkic peoples, Mongols, and various Siberian peoples, such as the Bashkirs, Tyvans, Khanty, Mansi, Nivkh, and Chukchi.12
- Himalayan Peoples: Includes the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, as well as Bhutan, Nepal, and the Indian state of Sikkim.1
Research in this field examines a diverse range of styles, from systematically organized classical music and Tibetan Buddhist chants to the varied folk music traditions of these numerous ethnic groups.1