Marovany
Box zither of Madagascar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The marovany (formerly spelled marouvane[1]) is a suitcase shaped, wooden, type of box zither from Madagascar, used in Malagasy music.[2] It is strung on both sides with metal strings. The player plucks the strings with both hands, often with rapid alternation. This often creates complex rhythmic patterns, typical of Malagasy music.[3] It is tuned in sequences of thirds. The instrument is commonly used in rituals and spiritual gatherings.[4]
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Cultural significance
The marovany and other instruments are used by Madagascar musical troupes at reburial ceremonies, where the music is believed to help a medium better enter a trance state during rituals which will only be successful if the correct type of music is being played.[5]
