What is "khonkhota"

The khonkhota is a stringed instrument from San Pedro de Buenavista, Caripuyo, North Potosí, South-western Bolivia. It is now played in much of the surrounding region also. It has flowers decorating the soundboard, which symbolise fertility. The name roughly translates as harmonics, and it often only has 5 frets, which alternative between black and white wood. It is usually very rustically made.

It has 8 strings in 5 courses and is tuned G4 G3, C4, D4 D3, A3, D4 D4. The strings are made of steel or a mix of nylon and steel.