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

Imzad bowed lute. 20th century, Tuareg people, Ahaggar Region, Algeria
An imzad

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.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Sadie Stanley, ed. (1984). "Imzad". The New Grove Encyclopedia of Musical Instruments. Vol. 2. MacMillan Press LTD. p. 310.
  2. ^ "Foucauld, Dictionnaire touareg". Fr.wikisource.org. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
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