Mizhav

The Majestic Mizhavu: A Percussion Powerhouse.

Mizhavu

The Mizhavu is a large, pot-shaped percussion instrument, resembling a Chinese or Grecian urn, traditionally made of clay but now often crafted from copper. Its narrow mouth is covered with stretched hide, and due to its tapered base, it is usually placed in a wooden frame called a ‘mizhavana.’ Players strike the hide with their bare hands to produce deep, rhythmic notes. While the Mizhavu is primarily an accompaniment for Kerala’s temple arts, its majestic sound also makes it suitable for solo performances.

In performances, the Mizhavu is placed center stage behind the actor. Kutiyattam plays typically use two Mizhavus, while Chakyarkuttu uses one. The player must sync with the actor’s moods, movements, and hand gestures (mudras) and have a deep understanding of Sanskrit, Prakrit, and ancient Tamil, along with the play’s script, called the Kramadeepika. Students begin by playing on stone or wooden benches, progress to wooden stumps covered with hide, and only in the final stages do they practice on the actual Mizhavu.