Description: The erhu, is a musical instrument, a bowed instrument;
with the bow inserted between the two playing strings. The sound is produced by the bow rubbing againts the strings, like thw western violin. But there is fundamental diferences, between the two instruments. One being the origin' or origins of the instrument. There is an on going debate about the erhu, the question being, 1.) Did the erhu originate in China, if so what era?
There is strong evidence, that it originated in the Tang Dynsasty. But the second question 2.) Being more of a suggestion, the Erhu may have had its origins or more likely contributions from Mongolian sources or Uigur (in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region or "Turkestani" influences) but this is a debate other influences may suggest Manchurian influences in its design and construction.
Anatomy: Snake skin (for sound or resonantor or skin-head); the shaft of what type of wood? I am not sure as to the botanical source of the wood.