Instrument · Percussion
Mirwas
مرواس (mirwās / marwās)
Small, cylindrical, double-headed and relatively high-pitched. Several mirwas drums may be played together, creating crisp interlocking rhythmic patterns.
Arabian Gulf / Yemen / Oman
Origin
The mirwas is a small double-headed drum strongly associated with the Arabian Peninsula and Persian Gulf. It is found in Gulf musical traditions and in Yemen; similar instruments also travelled with Hadhrami communities into Southeast Asia. UNESCO documentation of Omani traditions describes it as a small drum held in one hand and played with the fingers.
Role in the dance
It is highly relevant to Khaleeji and Arabian Peninsula dance traditions. Its fast repeated patterns contribute to the distinctive rolling groove dancers associate with Gulf music and can support hair movement, shoulder work, dress manipulation and soft travelling steps.