Traditional Plucked Stringed Instruments as an Artistic Manifestation of People’s Existence and Self-Awareness in the Context of Ukrainian Mentality

The purpose of the article is to explore and highlight the issues of traditional Ukrainian plucked stringed instruments as an artistic manifestation of the people’s existence and self-awareness in the context of Ukrainian mentality. The research methodology includes historical and analytical methods, as well as methods of generalisation and systematisation, which made it possible to analyse and organise existing scholarly studies on the chosen topic, to illuminate the historical features of the dissemination of plucked stringed instruments in Ukraine, and to trace their development and continuity. The article reveals the stages of the formation of instrumental art in Ukraine, emphasising the role of the guitar in both academic and folk music. The scientific novelty lies in the comprehensive review of Ukrainian stringed and plucked instruments from ancient times to the present in the context of Ukrainian mentality, and in examining the Ukrainian instrumental tradition as an artistic expression of the people’s self-awareness. Conclusions. Research in the field of Ukrainian folk instrumental creativity allows it to be viewed as both an artistic and a mental phenomenon that helps not only to reproduce a realistic image of the cultural life of the Ukrainian people while enriching the contemporary artistic space, but also to understand it as an artistic manifestation of the nation’s existence and self-awareness. Further research directions include a broader exploration of information about traditional string instruments used in everyday life on the territory of Ukraine, their repertoire, possibilities of reconstruction and authentic sound reproduction, as well as their use in contemporary music.