Sumsumia, folk Egyptian/n. African Instrument.

I remember spending time with the Bedouins in the Sinai desert.They make sumsumia with whatever they have, mostly olive oil or any other tin can. Pieces of raw wood with big corosive nails.The string , many times are made of old telephone wires and the pick,  from a warmed up celophane from the cigarette box...

Sitting around playing and singing all night long...

This Sumsumia is a relatively fancier instrument. Made of wood, approx.28" x 16"x3". Inlay of whatever arround: wood, bone, plastic. May be missing a string or two but almost any wire would support beautiful music from far away...