Imzad

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.