Few instruments in the world represent the essence and culture of an entire people like the Sicilian Marranzano. Also known as the Jaw Harp, jew’s harp, or juice harp, this instrument is closely tied to the image of Sicily itself. Hearing its sound immediately brings to mind the island’s stunning coasts, castles, villages, and unique aromas.
The credit goes to the traditional Sicilian folk music and the wide range of atmospheres and emotions this instrument can evoke.

From the lively tarantellas of popular music to more dramatic ballads, the marranzano has always played a role in patronal festivals, in the pockets of cart drivers playing it during long trips, and in the performances of storytellers.
Mentioned in a poem by the renowned Salvatore Quasimodo, this ancient instrument has regained international fame thanks to numerous films, series, and advertisements featuring its unique sound.

Unforgettable is the music that the great Ennio Morricone created for Sergio Leone’s famous film “For a Few Dollars More”. The marranzano transposes the American West into the heart of Sicily, dramatically highlighting the similarities between these two lands.
Let’s embark on a journey to discover the Sicilian Marranzano, its history, and the fascinating curiosities surrounding the jaw harp.

The History of the Marranzano

Used in Sicily since medieval times, the marranzano has ancient origins dating back thousands of years. An ancient Chinese drawing from the 4th century BC depicts a musician playing it, confirming the instrument’s Asian roots.

It is believed that its curved and rounded shapes were inspired by the figure of the Sumerian fertility goddess.
Known in Europe since Roman times, as evidenced by archaeological finds in France and Great Britain, the jaw harp—albeit in different forms—spread worldwide. It is a staple in the traditional music of countries like Turkey, Russia, China, and the Philippines.
Due to Sicily’s pivotal position in Mediterranean trade and its numerous conquerors, the marranzano found its way to the island, where it was immediately embraced by the locals. This led to the emergence of a remarkable tradition of crafting the instrument.

Renowned figures like the late Giuseppe Alaimo and his worthy successors, such as the master craftsman from Ragusa, Carmelo Buscema, Turi Petralia from Catania, and Carmelo Giuè from Palermo, have created high-quality instruments sought after by musicians and enthusiasts worldwide.
The marranzano is called by different names across Sicily’s regions and provinces. In Palermo, it is known as “mariuolu,” in Catania as “marauni,” and in Agrigento as “ngannalaruni.”

Though deeply tied to Sicilian culture, the jaw harp is also popular in other parts of Italy. In Campania, it’s known as “tromma,” and in Sardinia as “trunfa” or “trumba.”
In Piedmont, especially in the Valsesia region, there were once significant production centers for jaw harps that catered to both domestic and European markets. This industry, which ceased in the early 1900s, once produced over a million pieces annually.

How the Sicilian Marranzano is Made

The marranzano belongs to the family of idiophones, meaning the sound is produced by the vibration of the instrument’s body itself, without the use of strings, membranes, or air columns.

The jaw harp is made of metal, with a frame bent to form a horseshoe shape. In the center of the concave side, a metal tongue is attached, free at the opposite end to be plucked by the musician’s finger.

Except for rare exceptions, the Sicilian marranzano is made of forged iron, shaped hot on an anvil. Although the shape is almost always the same, different instruments vary in weight and size.

These variations significantly affect elements such as tone, volume, timbre richness, sound duration, and durability.

How It’s Played and Its Sound

To a novice, the jaw harp may initially seem like a limited instrument with narrow sonic capabilities. However, a closer look—or better yet, playing it—reveals a multi-harmonic world capable of producing unique and exhilarating sounds.

To play the jaw harp, hold the instrument gently with two fingers, minimizing vibration damping, and place the ends with the free end of the metal tongue lightly against your front teeth. Then, pluck the tongue using a finger from your free hand, avoiding excessive pressure on the teeth.

The sound and its variations are created by different modulations based on tongue movement, changes in the mouth’s shape, and breathing techniques. Emitting simultaneous vocal sounds in pitches different from those produced by the tongue also plays an important role.

Few other instruments so closely integrate with the player’s body as the marranzano.
The sound vibrations engage the musician’s lungs, throat, and resonating cavities before emerging from the mouth through the jaw harp. By controlling these factors and adjusting breath intensity, skilled musicians can produce stunning sound effects and dreamlike atmospheres. However, be cautious with your teeth and tongue; the metal tongue can be quite sharp.

Curiosities and Legends

Few people know that the jaw harp is the second most widely used sound-producing instrument globally, after the whistle. Its popularity is not just because it’s used in traditional music worldwide but also due to the millions of units manufactured industrially and semi-artisanally, primarily sold as souvenirs.

In Sicily, the marranzano is attributed with magical powers. According to an ancient legend, if the tongue of the instrument is made of silver, anyone who hears its sound falls into a deep, lethargic sleep.

The marranzano also carries some negative connotations. Stereotypes link it to a dark image of Sicily, where it is said to have been used by mafiosi and criminals to communicate through a kind of secret code.
While there may be some truth to these tales, they reflect a lack of respect for Sicilian culture.
It’s worth noting that the marranzano has always been a staple in Sicilian folklore and traditional songs. It was a faithful companion for travelers and shepherds during long journeys and transhumance.

The marranzano has always been an affordable instrument, accessible to everyone and playable even by those without formal musical training. It doesn’t disturb the neighbors and can be played anywhere.
High-quality jaw harps, however, are refined products with unique sounds and intricate decorations, often custom-made by celebrated artisans for collectors or professional musicians.

A Simple Yet Complex Sound

This practical and essential instrument, the Sicilian Marranzano, creates a sonic universe waiting to be explored. Its hypnotic sound evokes the most archaic and authentic atmospheres of Sicily and its traditions.
Accessible to everyone and easy to find, the marranzano offers great satisfaction to those who choose to study it. After all, if it’s called “scacciapensieri” (thought chaser), there must be a reason…
Happy playing!