Imzad Explained

The imzad (Arabic: إمزاد; alternately amzad) is a type of bowed "single-string fiddle" used by the Tuareg people in Africa.[1]

Its body is made out of a gourd which is covered by animal skin, creating a soundboard.[1] The strings are made from horse hair and are connected near the neck, and runs over a two-part bridge.[1] The bridge is made of two pieced of wood, joined into a cross.[1] The round bow is also equipped with horse hair.[1]

Traditionally, the instrument was played to accompany men's songs.[1] The imzad is only played by the women for example to accompany songs,[2] often during an evening ceremony called takket.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Encyclopedia: Imzad . 2 . 310 . The New Grove Encyclopedia of Musical Instruments . Sadie Stanley . 1984 . MacMillan Press LTD.
  2. Web site: Foucauld, Dictionnaire touareg. Fr.wikisource.org. 21 April 2021.