Welcome to Tunisia Stamps

The Tunisian Lute

This stamp highlights the Tunisian lute, more precisely the Oud Arbi, a plucked string instrument fundamental to Tunisia's musical heritage. Unlike the wider oriental oud, the Tunisian model is distinguished by its narrower and elongated resonance box, as well as its traditional arrangement of four pairs of strings. It is the beating heart of Malouf, Tunisian Arab-Andalusian art music, where its woody and delicate sound accompanies lyrical poems during cultural celebrations. The presence of this instrument on a postal figurine underlines the importance of preserving the acoustic arts and violin-making skills which define the country's sonic identity. The iconographic content places the instrument in a typical architectural setting, leaning against a wall of earthenware tiles (Zellige) with ocher and yellow geometric floral patterns. This decor, characteristic of the patios of the old residences of the Medina or Sidi Bou Saïd, illustrates the harmony between music and the decorative arts in the Tunisian art of living. The black and white checkerboard plinth at the bottom of the image recalls traditional floor coverings, creating a scene of domestic intimacy where the lute appears to be waiting for the musician. By devoting this value of 25 millimes to this set, the Republic promotes a complete sensory heritage which unites sight and hearing, making this stamp a witness to the refinement and elegance of national urban culture.