Ghaita

Ghaita (Arab.), reedpipe of Islam that has been played since the Middle Ages. According to Farmer (Encyclopaedia of Islam), it originally assumed 2 forms, 1 with cylindrical bore and single reed, the other with conical bore and double reed. The latter version became typical in N. Africa, where it is still the most important woodwind; indeed, in the Maghrib it is used in connection with the pilgrimage. By the 13th c. the instr. (but not necessarily the name) is known to have reached Spain…