khomus

The khomus, also known as the jew's harp, is a musical instrument consisting of a thin metal or wood tongue attached to a two-pronged frame. The player holds the frame to their mouth, which acts as a resonance chamber, and plucks or jerks the tongue to produce sound. The instrument's pitch is determined by the harmonic series, and the player can alter the mouth cavity's shape to isolate specific harmonics.

Khomus instruments are found globally, particularly in Oceania and Asia, and were introduced to Europe from Asia by the 14th century. Non-European forms are often made from bamboo or wood, while European versions typically feature a pear-shaped metal frame. The jew's harp is classified as an idiophone, meaning its sound is produced by the vibration of the instrument's solid body.1

It is important to note that "Khmu" also refers to an ethnic group, the most numerous of the Kha people in northern Laos.2