Duffmuttu

Duffmuttu Artists from Kerala

Duffmuttu(also:Dubhmuttu) is an art form prevalent in theMalabar regionof the states ofKeralaandKarnatakainsouth India.It derives its name from theduff,apercussion instrumentmade of wood and ox skin. The word duff is ofArabicorigin and is also called athappitta.

Duffmuttu is performed as social entertainment and to commemorate festivals,uroos(festivals connected withmosques) and weddings. Duffmuttu can be performed at any time of the day. Aduffmuttuperformance usually consists of ten members who stand or sit facing each other singing songs and swaying their bodies to the tempo of the song which is set by the rhythmic beats of theduff.

Duffmuttu Performance

Duffmuttu songs are a tribute toIslamicheroes and martyrs. The lead player also leads the troupe in song while the others provide the chorus. The dancers drum the duff with their fingers or palms and while moving rhythmically often toss them over their heads. A closely related art form is the Aravana Muttu or Arabana Muttu that uses a drum called arabana that is similar to the duff.

Gallery

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  Young Duffmuttu Artists
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  Duffmuttu Artists
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  Duffmuttu
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  Young Duffmuttu Artists from Kerala School Kalolsavam
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  Traditional Duffmuttu

See also

• Aravana muttu
• Kuthu Ratheeb
• Mappila
• Oppana