What is the bauk?

The bauk is a traditional musical instrument from the Balkans, specifically the regions of Serbia, Bosnia, and Montenegro. It is a type of mouth harp, also known as a jaw harp or jew's harp, and is made of metal and shaped like a small tuning fork. To play the bauk, the musician holds the instrument against their teeth and plucks the metal tines with their finger. The sound produced is characterized by a buzzing or twanging sound, and different techniques can be used to alter the pitch and tone. The bauk is typically used in folk music and dance, and is often played along with other traditional instruments such as the accordion and tamburica.