Marfa is a percussion instrument

Percussion instrument

A percussion instrument is any object which produces a sound when hit with an implement or when it is shaken, rubbed, scraped, or otherwise acted upon in a way that sets the object into vibration...

. It origins have been traced back to Africa

Africa

Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...

 in the findings published in American Journal of Human Genetics

American Journal of Human Genetics

The American Journal of Human Genetics is a medical journal in the field of human genetics. Since its inception in 1948 by the American Society of Human Genetics, the journal has provided a record of research and review relating to heredity in humans and to the application of genetic principles in...

. The community who play the instrument the Siddi

Siddi

The Siddi, Siddhi, or Sheedi , also known as Habshi, are an Indian and Pakistani ethnic group of Afro-Arab and/or Black African descent. The Siddi population is currently estimated to be 20,000–55,000, with Gujarat and Hyderabad in India the main population centre. Siddis are mainly Sufi Muslims,...

s and Habshis live in Gujarat , Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

History

Siddis were part of the Nizam army and live in AC guards or African Cavalry Guards. They were once part of the irregular army of the Nizam. The 6th Nizam, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan. They were recruited for their impressive physical strength and horsemanship. The Siddis were earlier believed to be working for the Raja of Wanparthy.