The history of bandura art or how bandura became the musical symbol of the Ukrainian nation

Bandura is a unique Ukrainian national folk instrument. The analysis of the history of the bandura shows that bandura art appeared in the sixteenth century among Cossacks who struggled for freedom, independence and unity of the Ukrainian nation. The repertoire of Cossack bandurists who later became professional bandura players, reflected not only important historical events but also all the aspects of Ukrainian life. At all times bandurists songs answered the most important question for every nation - who are we? Bandurists songs formed self-consciousness of the Ukrainian people and contributed to the transformation of Ukrainian ethnos into a nation. Thus, the bandura art has become an important feature of the Ukrainian national identity and the bandura itself - the musical symbol of - Ukrainian nation.