The kokle is very ancient. Similar instruments have been played across the Baltic region for at least a thousand years, and possibly much longer. Instruments very like the kokle are found in neighbouring countries: the Finnish kantele, the Estonian kannel and the Lithuanian kanklės are all cousins of the Latvian kokle. Scholars think they all descend from a very old common ancestor.
Traditional kokles were carved from a single piece of wood - usually alder, willow or maple - and had between five and nine strings made from gut or horsehair. Today, modern kokles can have many more strings and are made from a range of woods. They can be played solo or in ensembles, and some players have developed very complex, fast playing styles.
In Latvian mythology and folk songs, the kokle has a special, almost magical status. Old stories describe it being played to calm storms, make forests grow and bring people together in peace. The instrument is closely linked to Latvian identity - playing it is seen as a way of connecting with deep roots in the land and its traditions.
Today the kokle is taught in Latvian music schools and there is a revival of interest among young people who want to learn this ancient instrument. Kokle makers - craftspeople who build them by hand - are considered important keepers of cultural knowledge.