Xiqin

The xiqin (Chinese: 奚琴; pinyin: Xī qín) was a bowed 2-string string musical instrument. The instrument was called xiqin in China, referencing the Xi (the creators, a Mongol tribe) and qin (Chinese for stringed instrument). It is perhaps the original member of the huqin family of Mongolian and Chinese bowed string instruments; thus, the morin khuur and erhu and all similar fiddle instruments may be said to be derived from the xiqin. The xiqin had two silk strings and was held vertically.