Duff Muttu an art form of Malabar Region

Duff Muttu Dance is one of the well known art forms in the state of Kerala. There are many art forms in Kerala like kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thullal, Koothu, Kolkkali, Oppana, Thiruvadhira Kali and many more. Duffmuttu also known as Dubh muttu or as Duff Kali,  is one of these art forms played mainly by the Malabar Muslims of Kerala. This art form, also known Rebana in some areas, is performed to commemorate their festivals and other functions or Urooses held  in the mosques.

The origin of duff muttu seems to be Arabia where even now it is played in different methods, This is supposed to be an agrarian dance and played in the paddy fields in those days. Duff or Dubh as it is sometimes called, is a quaint looking round percussion instrument, is played as an accompaniment for this dance. This Duff instrument is made of wood and ox skin and it is also known as Thappitta.

This art form is also called as Aravana muttu and wherever duff is not available aravana is used for this dance form. Aravana is a similar to Duff but a little wider and smaller. Even when aravana is played in a different way, the dance is usually called as Duff muttu. Competitions are held in the state of Kerala to bring about an awareness among the people about this ancient dance form of Kerala.