The tembur, a long-necked lute of five steel strings

1Shape and strings

The tembur is about 1.5 metres long from the headstock to the lower end. The neck has sixteen frets and carries five steel strings. The outer two are the main strings and the other three accompany. Its range is three octaves.

2Playing and decoration

The player ties a pick made of metal wire under the nail of the right index finger. A fish-shaped guard protects the body where the hand plays, and the whole instrument is covered in fine geometric marquetry. It is played solo or with other instruments.

It is one of the most demanding Uyghur instruments and is known as “the father of music”. In the Ili Valley it is an important instrument, used alongside the dutar to accompany singing.