Instruments of Berber Music
There are countless styles and sub-genres of Berber music, but for simplicity's sake Berber music can be represented by two styles: ahwash, found in the village, and rwais, groups of traveling professional musicians. These two groups are primarily vocal, and the instruments used vary widely. Below are some of the most common instruments used in Berber music.
Instruments of Ahwash
The bendir is traditionally the only form of instrumental accompaniment in ahwash ensembles. It is a frame drum played with the fingers, and it usually has a snare stretched across its back (as shown in the photograph), which produces a buzzing sound when the instrument is played. It is also found across North Africa, ancient Egypt, and Mesopotamia.
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The nai (also nay, ney) is a rim-blown flute occasionally found in ahwash ensembles. The instrument is old, dating back at least five mellenia in the Arab world. It can be made from reed, metal, or wood.
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Instruments of Rwais
The rebab (not to be confused with the Andalusian rebab, which is a different instrument) is a one-stringed, bowed instrument found in various iterations around the Arab world. It originates from the 9th or 10th century.
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The loutar is a plucked lute unique to Berber music in Morocco. It has three strings (more recently four), and is found mostly in the Middle Atlas region. It is also known as a gimbri, but it is not the same instrument found in gnawa music. It is tuned via metal pegs.
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Percussive instruments include the naqus (a metal bell played with metal rods), the nuiqsat (small copper cymbals known as qraqeb in gnawa music), and the bendir. Ensembles are also sometimes accompanied by the oboe.
