The mizhavu the prime percussion instrument in the Koothu, Koodiyattam and
Submitted by content on Fri, 10/19/2007 - 13:10.
TNangiyarkoothu performances, is the only major item on the stage besides the performer. The mizhavu traditionally played by the Nambiar is a large egg-shaped copper drum.
An avanadha (membranophone), the mouth of the pot is closed with tightly stretched calf leather. Earlier made of clay, the pot is placed within a wooden frame and
its tapering base is not to touch the bare floor. The broad part of the drum has a hole of a finger thickness and ardent devotees called it the air vent for the mizhavu to breathe. In reality it aids in creating the appropriate sound.
The mizhavu varies in size from place to place. The mysticism associated with the instrument gives it a status of a divine instrument. When a mizhavu is initiated into the team, a thread ceremony which has all the steps of a purificatory ritual is performed.The Nandi,deity for musical instruments is invoked then invested with the sacred thread. In the past the mizhavu was never taken out of the temple and if ever it did move out, its reentry was only possible after a purificatory ritual.
A mizhavu is put through another set of rituals when it has run its life. Elaborate funeral ceremonies as those done for human beings are performed to enable the soul of the instrument merge with the Supreme. The ‘dead’ mizhavu is then buried with accompanying ceremonies.
The late Guru Painkulam Rama Chakyar brought the art forms outside the temple and taught the art to other communities. In this effort he was supported by reputed percussionist the late Chathakudam Krishnan Nambiar.
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