Lirnyky were the other type of blind professional minstrel, along with kobzari. They belonged to the same guilds, performed historical and religious songs, just like kobzari. What was very different was their musical instrument. The kobza or bandura is a plucked and strummed lute. The village of Mliiiv, Horodyshchens'kyi region, August 23, 1998.
Neighbors gather to exchange information, tell tales.
Hanna Petrivna Martynenko, age 72, village of Topyl'na, Shpolians'kyi region. This is another keeper of village traditions, widely known not just in her own village, but throughout the region. We were referred her because she was so well known for her singing voice and her large repertory of songs. As you can see from the picture, she also did a good job of maintaining decorative traditions. We arrived at her house unannounced and it was beautifully decorated with embroidered pillows and ritual towels call rushnyky.