{"schema":"https://ver.cy/schemas/card/1.0.0","id":"vr.tr.folk-instrument","code":"thing-q13135638","url":"https://ver.cy/models/thing/q13135638/","name":"folk instrument","alternateNames":["Ukrainian folk musical instrument","Polissian dudka-vykrutka","Farmer's informal school","xul","Slavic musical instrument","Kyrgyz folk musical instrument","folk instruments of Punjab","Russian folk musical instrument"],"kind":"thing","status":"published","version":"0.1.0-research.1","language":"en","classifiers":{"family":"Thing Registry","category":"Physical world and living systems","entryKind":"thing","plane":"PHY","domain":["PHY.OBJ"],"industry":[],"navPath":"","tags":[],"facets":{}},"whatItIs":"A folk instrument is a musical instrument associated with the customary music-making of a community, whose classification as folk depends on cultural use and transmission rather than a particular construction or sound-producing mechanism.","purpose":"Enable an agent to recognise a folk instrument through its sound-producing design and documented cultural use, assess its playable condition, and determine appropriate use and care.","scope":{"in":["Community-specific identification as a folk instrument, including local names and disputed classifications","Sound-producing mechanism, acoustic configuration, tuning, and playable range","Materials, construction traditions, maker attribution, and locally recognised variants","Playing techniques, ensemble roles, and customary performance contexts","Playable condition, instrument-specific maintenance, and restrictions on handling or modification"],"out":["The general musical-instrument model and properties inherited without modification","Musical compositions, song texts, and repertoire as independent creative works","Performers, makers, and communities as independently modelled people or social entities","Musical traditions, rituals, and performances as independent practices or events","Commercial product lines, sales listings, and ownership transactions","Recordings, software instruments, and digital sound libraries"],"boundaries":[]},"distinguishingFeatures":["Identification requires a documented relationship to a named musical community or tradition; rustic appearance or natural materials alone do not establish folk status.","The object has a sound-producing or sound-controlling role in musical practice; a miniature, depiction, or decorative imitation requires separate identification.","Folk attribution is recorded for a specified context, allowing the same instrument type to participate in folk, classical, religious, or popular practices.","Handmaking, antiquity, and acoustic operation are not assumed requirements; manufactured or amplified variants require assessment against the relevant tradition.","Instrument type, regional variant, maker model, and individual specimen remain distinct, so one specimen's tuning or decoration does not define the entire kind."],"structure":{"bundles":[{"id":"tradition-and-identity","name":"Tradition and identity","description":"Establishes what the instrument is called and the contexts in which it is recognised as a folk instrument.","layers":[{"id":"community-attribution","name":"Community attribution","description":"Records the basis and limits of identification with particular traditions.","findings":[{"id":"basis-of-folk-identification","name":"Basis of folk identification","description":"Capture who identifies the instrument with which tradition, when, and on what evidence.","questions":[{"text":"Which practitioners, communities, or documented accounts identify this instrument as part of a named folk tradition?","id":"basis-of-folk-identification-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Does that identification apply to the instrument type generally, a local variant, or its use in a particular context?","id":"basis-of-folk-identification-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]},{"id":"names-and-variants","name":"Names and variants","description":"Relates local terminology to meaningful distinctions among instrument forms.","findings":[{"id":"local-identity-boundaries","name":"Local identity boundaries","description":"Record local names and distinctions without assuming that shared names mean identical instruments or different names mean different kinds.","questions":[{"text":"What names are used in the relevant languages and localities, and what does each name include?","id":"local-identity-boundaries-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"Which construction, sound, or performance differences lead practitioners to recognise a separate variant?","id":"local-identity-boundaries-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]}]},{"id":"sound-and-tuning","name":"Sound and tuning","description":"Describes how the instrument produces sound and organises pitch, rhythm, and timbre.","layers":[{"id":"sound-generation","name":"Sound generation","description":"Identifies vibrating elements, excitation methods, and resonating components.","findings":[{"id":"acoustic-working-principle","name":"Acoustic working principle","description":"Record how the player initiates and shapes vibration, including interactions among melody, drone, or sympathetic components where present.","questions":[{"text":"Which elements vibrate, how are they excited, and which components amplify or modify their sound?","id":"acoustic-working-principle-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"Which dimensions and component arrangements most strongly distinguish this variant's acoustic behaviour?","id":"acoustic-working-principle-q02","kind":"measurement"}]}]},{"id":"pitch-and-timbre","name":"Pitch and timbre","description":"Records tuning conventions and the sound qualities relevant to the intended practice.","findings":[{"id":"contextual-sound-target","name":"Contextual sound target","description":"Capture the expected pitch relationships, range, and timbral qualities for a stated tradition and playing purpose.","questions":[{"text":"What tuning or pitch relationships are expected, and which elements can the player or maker adjust?","id":"contextual-sound-target-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"Under a stated tuning and technique, what usable range or rhythmic and timbral responses can be demonstrated?","id":"contextual-sound-target-q02","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"Which apparent buzzes, beating effects, or pitch variations are intended features rather than faults?","id":"contextual-sound-target-q03","kind":"boundary"}]}]}]},{"id":"making-and-material-history","name":"Making and material history","description":"Connects construction and subsequent alterations to local instrument-making knowledge.","layers":[{"id":"construction-practice","name":"Construction practice","description":"Documents the materials and techniques that define or differentiate the instrument.","findings":[{"id":"significant-construction-choices","name":"Significant construction choices","description":"Distinguish construction features treated as essential by practitioners from accepted material or manufacturing alternatives.","questions":[{"text":"Which materials and construction techniques are documented for the relevant variant and period?","id":"significant-construction-choices-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Which substitutions preserve its recognised identity, and which are regarded as changing the instrument?","id":"significant-construction-choices-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]},{"id":"maker-and-alterations","name":"Maker and alterations","description":"Relates an individual specimen to its maker and known changes.","findings":[{"id":"specimen-construction-history","name":"Specimen construction history","description":"Capture maker attribution, repairs, component replacements, and adaptations with their supporting evidence.","questions":[{"text":"What evidence supports the specimen's maker, place of manufacture, and approximate date?","id":"specimen-construction-history-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"Which repairs or adaptations have changed its tuning, sound, playing technique, or locally recognised identity?","id":"specimen-construction-history-q02","kind":"boundary"}]}]}]},{"id":"performance-and-custom","name":"Performance and custom","description":"Places playing techniques and musical roles within their documented social settings.","layers":[{"id":"technique-and-musical-role","name":"Technique and musical role","description":"Records how practitioners play the instrument and coordinate it with others.","findings":[{"id":"performance-compatibility","name":"Performance compatibility","description":"Connect posture, excitation, articulation, and tuning to the instrument's intended ensemble or solo role.","questions":[{"text":"Which playing techniques and musical roles characterise its use in the named tradition?","id":"performance-compatibility-q01","kind":"definition"},{"text":"What tuning, accessories, player skills, and sound balance are needed for the proposed performance?","id":"performance-compatibility-q02","kind":"action"}]}]},{"id":"customary-use-conditions","name":"Customary use conditions","description":"Captures attributed expectations concerning access, occasions, and treatment.","findings":[{"id":"contextual-use-authority","name":"Contextual use authority","description":"Record any relevant customary conditions and whose account establishes them, without presuming universal restrictions.","questions":[{"text":"Who can explain whether particular players, occasions, handling practices, or recording activities have customary conditions?","id":"contextual-use-authority-q01","kind":"provenance"},{"text":"What consultation or permission, if any, is needed for the proposed use of this specimen?","id":"contextual-use-authority-q02","kind":"action"}]}]}]},{"id":"playability-and-continuity","name":"Playability and continuity","description":"Assesses functional condition and plans care consistent with the instrument's intended future.","layers":[{"id":"functional-assessment","name":"Functional assessment","description":"Tests the relevant sound-producing components against a stated musical purpose.","findings":[{"id":"condition-against-intended-use","name":"Condition against intended use","description":"Separate expected musical characteristics from damage or deterioration that limits use.","questions":[{"text":"Which cracks, leaks, loose joints, worn strings, reed changes, or membrane defects are applicable to this instrument and affect its response?","id":"condition-against-intended-use-q01","kind":"measurement"},{"text":"Can the specimen be tested by playing without worsening damage, and who is qualified to make that assessment?","id":"condition-against-intended-use-q02","kind":"action"}]}]},{"id":"care-and-intervention","name":"Care and intervention","description":"Selects maintenance, storage, and repair actions for the specimen's construction and custodial purpose.","findings":[{"id":"appropriate-care-path","name":"Appropriate care path","description":"Record care requirements and proposed interventions together with their musical and cultural consequences.","questions":[{"text":"What storage conditions, cleaning practices, and consumable replacements are supported for these particular materials and components?","id":"appropriate-care-path-q01","kind":"action"},{"text":"Should intervention prioritise continued playing, preservation of existing material, customary treatment, or a documented combination?","id":"appropriate-care-path-q02","kind":"action"},{"text":"Which repair or amplification changes require review because they could alter characteristic sound or culturally significant features?","id":"appropriate-care-path-q03","kind":"boundary"}]}]}]},{"id":"evidence-and-external-alignment","name":"Evidence and external alignment","description":"What the world already says about this thing, gathered so the model can be checked against it.","layers":[{"id":"reported-evidence","name":"Reported evidence","description":"Findings from the breadth pass, kept separate from the structural claims.","findings":[{"id":"evidence-confidence-notes","name":"Check these first","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these check these first hold for the sense of folk instrument this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-confidence-notes-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-kinds","name":"Kinds and varieties","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these kinds and varieties hold for the sense of folk instrument this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-kinds-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-identifiers","name":"Identifiers and schemes","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these identifiers and schemes hold for the sense of folk instrument this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-identifiers-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-real-world-use","name":"Real-world use","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these real-world use hold for the sense of folk instrument this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-real-world-use-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-failure-modes-and-hazards","name":"Failure modes and hazards","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these failure modes and hazards hold for the sense of folk instrument this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-failure-modes-and-hazards-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-regional-variation","name":"Regional variation","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these regional variation hold for the sense of folk instrument this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-regional-variation-q01","kind":"provenance"}]},{"id":"evidence-neighbours","name":"Neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart","description":"Recalled without web access and unsourced; every item is a lead to verify.","questions":[{"text":"Which of these neighbouring kinds and how to tell them apart hold for the sense of folk instrument this model covers, and on what evidence?","id":"evidence-neighbours-q01","kind":"provenance"}]}]}]}]},"agentConduct":{"may":["Describe folk instruments and their communities, citing ethnomusicology sources.","Explain how folk classification depends on use."],"mustNot":["Treat folk instruments as primitive.","Sell imitations as authentic heritage.","Export protected materials or heritage instruments unlawfully.","Misattribute instruments to the wrong culture."],"requiresHuman":["Recording or selling a community's music."]},"ethics":{"considerations":["Folk music belongs to communities.","Some materials come from protected species."],"affectedParties":["Folk musicians","Communities"]},"owners":{"steward":"The musicians and communities who keep the instruments.","roles":[],"masterSystems":[]},"relations":[{"target":"Q34379","type":"parent","note":"registry parent class"}],"interaction":{"identity":{"applicability":"required","items":["Vercy registry: vr.tr.folk-instrument","Wikidata: Q13135638 (https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13135638)"]},"properties":{"applicability":"required","items":["Community and tradition attribution: Named communities and musical traditions, with attribution source and relevant period","Local names and variant identity: Names with language, locality, transliteration, and variant designation","Sound-producing mechanism: Vibrating strings, membranes, instrument body, air column, electronic generation, or documented combination","Acoustic configuration: Instrument-specific arrangement of strings, reeds, pipes, membranes, resonators, drones, and sympathetic elements","Tuning and pitch organisation: Local tuning designation, pitch relationships, reference pitch where applicable, and adjustable or fixed elements","Usable pitch range: Lowest and highest usable fundamental frequency in Hz, with technique and tuning conditions; not applicable where discrete pitch is not meaningful","Musically significant dimensions: Applicable vibrating length, bore dimensions, membrane diameter, or resonator dimensions in mm","Materials and construction: Materials and joining or forming methods by sound-producing component","Performance role: Documented relation to solo, melody, drone, rhythm, accompaniment, signalling, or other locally named roles","Playable condition: Untested, playable for stated purpose, playable with limitations, unplayable, or retained for nonplaying use","Handling and performance conditions: Attributed customary requirements concerning players, occasions, access, handling, recording, or modification"]},"recognition":{"applicability":"required","items":["Strings, membranes, air channels or resonating solid bodies provide cues to the instrument's sound-producing mechanism.","Construction materials, ornament and wear patterns can support comparison with documented examples from a particular musical tradition.","No single visible feature establishes folk status, which requires evidence of cultural use and transmission."]},"capabilities":{"applicability":"required","items":["Identify a candidate instrument and explain the evidence supporting its local name and folk attribution.","Compare regional or historical variants through acoustic construction and documented community distinctions.","Assess suitability for a stated tuning, ensemble role, playing technique, and performance occasion.","Determine whether tuning, playing, amplification, or handling is appropriate for a particular specimen and context.","Prepare a maintenance or repair proposal that accounts for acoustic function, construction, and culturally significant features.","Record unresolved attribution or condition questions and identify the practitioner, maker, or custodian best placed to resolve them."]},"hazards":{"applicability":"required","items":["High sound levels can damage hearing during playing or close observation.","Loose components, sharp edges or failed tensioned parts can injure players and handlers.","Unsuitable humidity, temperature or handling can damage materials and reduce playability.","Incorrect cultural attribution or inappropriate use can misrepresent a community's practices."]},"interfaces":{"applicability":"required","items":["The Harmonized System nomenclature issued by the World Customs Organization classifies musical instruments under Chapter 92 for international trade."]},"context":{"applicability":"required","items":["Folk instruments are encountered in community celebrations, customary performances, domestic music-making and cultural collections.","They support accompaniment, dance, storytelling and the transmission of musical knowledge between generations.","Their cultural role depends on documented community practice rather than construction alone."]}},"sources":[{"title":"Wikidata item Q13135638: folk instrument","url":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q13135638","note":"identity and sense of the item"},{"title":"Wikipedia: Folk instrument","url":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folk_instrument","note":"general description of the item"}],"openQuestions":["What evidence threshold should establish folk attribution when community terminology, museum classification, and commercial labels disagree?","Which existing Vercy musical-instrument model should supply inherited properties, and where should folk-specific extensions attach?","How should the model represent local variants and shared names across communities without collapsing meaningful distinctions or creating unsupported splits?","Which tuning descriptions and acoustic measurements best represent traditions whose pitch or timbre expectations are not captured by standard notation?","How should conflicting practitioner and custodian preferences concerning playing, repair, amplification, and preservation be recorded and resolved for a specimen?"],"resources":{"spec":"/models/things/publications/thing-q13135638/spec.json"},"provenance":{"origin":"thing registry research (pass 2)","builtFrom":["models/things/publications/thing-q13135638/spec.json"],"providers":["Codex"],"researchStatus":"unreviewed","generatedAt":"2026-09-12T09:49:00Z","builder":"tools/build_cards.py@1.0.0"},"completeness":{"sections":{"classifiers":"filled","whatItIs":"filled","purpose":"filled","distinguishingFeatures":"filled","structure":"filled","agentConduct":"filled","ethics":"filled","owners":"filled","relations":"filled","interaction.identity":"filled","interaction.properties":"filled","interaction.recognition":"filled","interaction.capabilities":"filled","interaction.hazards":"filled","interaction.interfaces":"filled","interaction.context":"filled","sources":"filled"},"notes":{"_gate":"Published through the thing publication gate 1.0 on 2026-10-07T10:10:25+00:00: completeness 1.00; sense: Wikidata description; 2 live sources; review by codex: pass"},"score":1.0}}