According to rock paintings and some historical materials, the ancient Mongols began to process yogurt spoons, wrapped them in cowhide, and pulled up two ponytail strings as musical instruments, which were called "spoon-shaped huqin". At present, many experts believe that this is the predecessor of Ma Touqin.

At that time, the longest spoon-shaped huqin was about two feet, and the resonance box was smaller, so the sound was much smaller. Up to now, some people in western Mongolia still call Ma Touqin "spoon-shaped huqin".

Ma Touqin is a representative musical instrument of Mongolian people, which not only occupies a place in families in China and the world, but also is a favorite musical instrument of folk artists and herders. The music played by Ma Touqin is deep, rough and passionate, which embodies the Mongolian production, life and grassland customs. ?

In May 2006, Mongolian Ma Touqin music was approved by the State Council to be included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.

China Net-Ma Touqin Strings-Ma Touqin