Matouqin, or horse-head fiddle, is a Mongolian instrument. It is called horse-head fiddle because the top of the pole is carved into the shape of a horse head. The instrument has a long history, and it was quite popular with the Mongolian people during the early period of the 13th century. The names, structures, tones and performance styles vary from place to place.

The resonance box resembles the echelon. The strings, which are made of horsehair, are fixed with silk onto the organ. The sound produced by the instrument is sweet, deep and pleasant.

The early performers made the instruments themselves. Due to its low volume, it can only be performed inside. Later, designers made improvements on the traditional instrument. The range was expanded, and the strings were changed to nylon, which enhanced the volume. With those improvements, listeners can still hear the soft and deep sound, while it became even clearer and brighter. The new organ may be performed outdoors and it has become one of the main solo instruments.

There are also newly made large and medium sized organs. Their sound is quite like that of the cello and contrabass. It is worth mentioning that people can still find Mongolian designs on these instruments. A well made matouqin is a piece of art as well as an instrument.