Egypt
Arab

Wood, metal, hide, cloth, paint
Mid 20th century
Diameter: 11.5 in; Frame height: 5.75 in; Disc diameter: 3.5 in
Membranophone – Struck (Directly) – Single Headed

The Egyptian tambourine called mazhar, is a large, single-headed heavy frame drum with large brass zills (discs). It is used in a Zaffa (wedding procession) and designed for heavy pounding and shaking to sound loud.  The musical  procession also includes bendir drums, bagpipes, horns, belly dancers and men carrying flaming swords.

This Egyptian mazhar tambourine has 5 rows of 2 sets of brass double discs (20 total) and a goat skin head.  The drumhead is attached with glued and brass tacks.  The outside of the wooden frame is painted blue and white, while the inside is painted white.  There is a cloth cushion attached around the carved out opening for the hand to hold the mazhar.