Lozhki / Ложки
The spoons, or lozhki (ложки) are a traditional percussion instrument in Russian folk music. A person who plays the spoons is called a lozhkar (ложкарь). Like most folk instruments, no one knows for sure when the spoons were first used to make music in Russia. The first mention of the musical spoons used by peasants is from the 18th century, though it's most likely they were used before this.
Lozhki are made from different types of wood, which affects the sound they make. Most are made from wood like birch or maple for its durability, though they are also made of ash, linden, and aspen. Musical spoons often have longer handles, sometimes with bells attached.
The spoons can be played solo but are often played in folk ensembles, which became widely popular in the 19th and 20th centuries. They are also used in folk dance.
Some lozhkari play three spoons, some use four, and some attach spoons to their legs and chest, using over 15 at a time!
Russian woodblock print (lubok) from the 18th century. "The bear and goat are cooling off and enjoying their music. The bear took his hat off and played the dudka and the goat, in a dress with horns and bells and spoons, jumps and dances in a squat."
