As per Michael's comment that this is not autoharp technique, per se--assuming for a moment that the instrument is an autoharp and not a zither or folk kanun of some type, and also assuming that, as claimed, it has been used in this manner since it was adopted by this musical culture in the 19th century, then this is very definitely qualifies as "autoharp technique", and, in fact, is an older and more established system than the style that are more familar with.