Frame drum

A framedrum is a membranophone that has a drumhead diameter greater than its depth. Usually single drumheads can be rawhide or man-made materials. Shells are traditionally constructed of bent wood (rosewood, oak, ash etc.) scarf jointed together, plywood and man-made materials are also used. Some framedrums have mechanical tuning and on many the drumhead is stretched and tacked in place. It is the earliest skin drum known to have existed. They've been found in widespread geographic locations and cultures. It has been suggested that they also were used when winnowing grain.

Frame drums are one of the most ancient types of musical instruments. They have a simple structure with strong spiritual and entertaining effects. Frame drums are usually round, made of wood with animal skin and sometimes metal rings or plates incorporated into the drum to provide jingle. They have different sizes; the larger drums are played mainly by men in spiritual rituals and medium size drums are played mainly by women.

Frame drums originated in the ancient Middle East, India, and Rome, and reached medieval Europe through Islamic culture. The similarity of the names of frame drums in these regions shows the common history of these drums. Dayereh is one of the most famous frame drums in Persia and Central Asia.

Types of Framedrums

• Bendir (North Africa)
• Bodhrán (Ireland)
• Tar (drum)
• Tambourine
• Mazhar (Egypt)
• Daf (Iran, Kurdistan, Azerbaijan, Middle-East)
• Dayereh (Persia, Central Asia, Balkan)
• Pandeiro (Brazil)
• Kanjira (South India)
• Tamborim (Brazil)
• Riq (Egypt)

External links

• framedrums.de - info about instruments, videos, instructional material
• Native American Hand Drums
• Frame Drums
• Frame Drum Central
• Hakim Ludin's homepage
• Perkussionist Peyman Nasehpour; view also Peyman Nasehpoor
• N. Scott Robinsons Homepage (instrument gallery, background info)
• Frame Drums, Workshops, Events, Sale
• glenvelez.com
• layneredmond.com