FOCUS Page 21 The Anuak Thom

The Anuak thom is the one dominant cordophone in use among the Anuaks, though it seems to be falling into disuse. These five or six stringed instruments has its strings stretched over a stylized animal carving for a bridge and over a skin-resonating box. For the most part, the performer sings in unison with the strings which he plays with both hands. The performer plays with total contentment and total control and naturalness.