The mizwad (mezoued, mizwid) (Algerian Arabic / Tunisian Arabic : مِزْود; plural مَزاود mazāwid, literally "sack," “bag,” or “food pouch”) is a type of bagpipes played in Tunisia and 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. Bagpipe enthusiast, Oliver Seeler, states that this connection is incorrect. While the zukra may be similar, it is instead a wind instrument in Libya, similar to the mizwad.[2]
Mizwad is a popular type of traditional music in Tunisia and Algeria which incorporates a type of North African 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.
Mizwad is one of the most popular in Tunisia played along with the drum, and one of the most popular musical genres in east Algeria.
