Imzad

The imzad (Arabic: إمزاد; alternately amzad) is a single-string bowed instrument used by the Tuareg people in Africa.

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

An imzad

Its body is made out of a calabash or wood which is covered by animal skin. The strings are made from horse hair and are connected near the neck, and runs over a two-part bridge. The round bow is also equipped with horse hair.

The imzad is only played by the women for example to accompany songs,[1] often during an evening ceremony called takket. However, there are modern attempts to promote the instrument as inherent to Tuareg culture.