The jaw harp is an instrument thousands of years old, with roots in various cultures of Eurasia and Northern Asia, although precursors existed as far back as the Stone Age. Historically, it was used in Siberia, Mongolia, Central Asia, and Europe (e.g., Austria since the 17th century). In shamanic traditions, particularly in Siberia and Northern Asia, it plays a significant ritual role: it is used in ceremonies, healing rituals, and trance journeys to promote spiritual states and facilitate communication with the spirit world through its characteristic, vibrating sound.