Name: Mizhavu (Wikipedia) a big, pot shaped copper drum played as the main accompanying percussion instrument for some of the performing art forms of Kerala, India.

Also known as: Mizhav

Wikidata item: Q609599

External links:

[*https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0d/Mizhavu.jpg*]: Image

[*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxk5OMc0tA4*]: Sound Sample

[*https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/12572/14/14_chapter%207.pdf*]:  For more information

Disambiguation: Mizhavu is similar to the Panchamukha (5 mouthed) Vaadyam of Tamil Nadu in shape, but while the Mizhavu has a single neck, the Panchamukha Vaadyam has five necks.

Description: The Mizhavu was earlier made of clay producing a softer tone.  Nowadays, it is made of copper that gives more resonance. The neck/mouth has calf skin tightened around it. A hole is made in the side of the body to get proper resonance. It is played with the palm and fingers of both hands.

It is kept in a wooden box/cage while playing so that it does not touch the floor.  It is considered to be a divine and sacred instrument that accompanies the holy temple performances of Koodiyattam (Sanskrit theatre) and Koothu (Story telling through dance) art forms.