Mizwad

The mizwad (mezoued, mizwid) (Tunisian Arabic : مِزْود; plural مَزاود mazāwid, literally "sack," “bag,” or “food pouch”) is a type of bagpipes played in Tunisia, Chakwa in East of Algeria (in French).^[1] The instrument consists of a skin bag made from ewe's leather, with a joined double-chanter, terminating in two cow horns, similar to a hornpipe (instrument).This instrument is played with a single-reed.

The ethnomusicologist Anthony Baines stated that the term "zukra" is also used for this instrument, however, bagpipe enthusiast, Oliver Seeler, states that this connection is incorrect. While the Zukra may be similar, it is not the same, It is instead a wind instrument in Libya, which is similar to the mizwad^[2] though not the same.

Mizwad is a popular type of traditional music in Tunisia which incorporates a type of Tunisian drum called the Darbouka as well as the Mizwad. This music was originally considered the music of the countryside and the working class. It is often played at weddings and formal parties, and it also has its own traditional dances which are said to make people enter a trance-like state.

See also[]

• Habbān
• Mijwiz
• Erke
• Erkencho
• Shofar

References[]