Mijwiz

Arabic for “dual”, A double-pipe, single-reed instrument (sometimes referred to as a “double-clarinet”) popular in Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine. It is predominantly used to accompany the dabkah, or line dance, at weddings and other festive celebrations. The mijwiz consists of two identical cylindrical cane pipes bound together with a tar or beeswax coated string. Each pipe is fitted with a single vibrating reed and produce a disctinct nasal sound. The instrument is played continuously (without stopping) through a technique known as “circular breathing”, with the entire mouthpiece inside the mouth.