Nimrud
Al-Tawfiqia village
Al-Tawfiqia village, located in the Nimrud Subdistrict of Nineveh Governorate in Iraq, is a testament to the passage of time. Its historical roots may date back to the era of Prophet Abraham. The village is home to approximately 900 people who carry the weight of its historical legacy. Traditional music, played with instruments like the Rababa and Metbeg (Mejwiz), becomes the soundtrack for celebrations in Al-Tawfiqia. Harvest chants also fill the air during special seasons, maintaining a connection to its agrarian roots. Musicians, despite the limited income from their craft, often supplement their earnings through farming and agriculture. Teaching methods are traditional, with musicians passing down their skills to the younger generation, while acceptance within the community is substantial.
Many poets contribute to lyrics writing, especially when it comes to ‘Ataba, Nayel and Sweihli, some of the most popular traditional forms in Nimrud and other regions of the Levant. Joyous occasions like circumcisions and graduations are marked by the rhythmic beats of the Rababa, Metbeg, and Tabel, with the Keyboard, giving it a more “modern” feel. Nimrud is known for its Rababa, uniquely made of materials like metal, tin, wood and horsehair.
Instruments
The Metal Rababa
The Metal Rababa (or tin Rababa) comes from the same family as the wooden Rababa. It originated as an attempt to create a more cost-effective version of the instrument, as using wood and animal skins is more expensive. This form of Rababa is widespread in Iraq and Upper Mesopotamia. It is made from a metal box, usually a reused oil can, which is opened on the sides to enhance the sound projection. The neck is made of wood, and horsehair is used for both the string and the bow.
The Metbeg/Mejwiz
A woodwind instrument, with “Mejwiz” meaning “dual” in colloquial terms, because it consists of two pipes. This instrument was historically found in the Levant, where it is known as “Mejwiz,” and in Iraq, where it is called “Metbeg.” The instrument is made from two bamboo pipes of equal length, which are glued together with a thread and beeswax. Two thin pieces of wood, known as “reeds,” are attached to the top of the pipes. These are the primary source of sound and the part where the player blows into. Playing the Metbeg is notable for the use of circular breathing, where the player uses a technique to continuously blow without interruption or pausing to take a breath, allowing them to play long melodies and produce a continuous tone.