The qairaq or kairak are flat oval stones used as clappers or castanets.

[1] They are used as a percussion instrument and shaken, a pair in each hand to make clicking sounds and rattles.

[1] Among the Tajiks, the instrument is played among those living in the plains or river valleys.

[2] A similar instrument to that in the Russian photos is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

"[1] In 1869. they were also played by batcha or "baz",[2] dancing boys who sometimes dressed as women.