Żaqq

The żaqq (with definite article: iż-żaqq) is the most common form of Maltese bagpipes. The instrument was once associated with Maltese folk-festivals.[1]

Example of a żaqq, in the Phoenix Musical Instrument Museum.

History

The use of the żaqq in daily life came to an end in the 1970s, the instrument having been perhaps replaced by the accordion earlier in the century.[2] In 1977 the Galpin Society noted only nine remaining traditional pipers in Malta; the last of these, Toni "l-Hammarun" Cachia, died in 2004.[3] There are ongoing attempts to revive the instrument by various folk music ensembles such as Etnika.

Etymology and spelling

It is sometimes erroneously referred to as the zapp due to a spelling error in a 1939 English-language publication. The Maltese word żaqq literally means "sack" or "belly" and derives from Arabic ziqq ( "skin" [as a receptacle]). It is sometimes stated that żaqq derives from Italian zampogna but this is not the case.

Further reading
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References
  1. Lino Bugeja; Mario Buhagiar; Stanley Fiorini (1993). Birgu: a Maltese maritime city. Malta University Services. p. 382. ISBN 978-99909-44-01-3. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
  2. Journal of Mediterranean studies. Mediterranean Institute, University of Malta. 1 January 1995. p. 82. Retrieved 24 April 2011.
  3. Galpin Society (2001). Newsletter. Galpin Society. p. 71. Retrieved 14 August 2012.. Last of the Maltese Bagpipers of Old'


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