The tovshuur, also known as topshur or topshuur (Mongolian Cyrillic: товшуур; Mongolian: ᠲᠣᠪᠰᠢᠭᠤᠷ, romanized: tobshiğur) is a two- or three-stringed lute played by the Western Mongolian (Oirats) tribes called the Altai Urianghais, the Altais, Tuvans, and Khalkha peoples.

[1] The topshur is closely tied to the folklore of Western Mongolian people and accompanied the performances of storytellers, singing, and dancing.

[2] According to descriptions given by Marco Polo, the Mongols also played the instruments before a battle.

For example, depending on the tribe, the string might be made of horsehair or sheep intestine.

[3] The body of the tovshuur is bowl-shaped and usually covered in tight animal skin.