Portugal
Unknown

Wood, goat skin, metal, ribbon, seeds
ca. Mid 20th century
Length & Width: 16 in; Depth: 1.75 in
Percussion – Indefinite Pitch – Frame Drum

The adufe is an ancient traditional square frame drum of Moorish origin (Northwestern Africa).  Traditionally, it was played by Arab women for religious celebrations, pilgrimage sites, local festivals, and even work in the fields. 

This adufe from Portugal is a 16-inch square framed drum made of pine that is completely covered by goat’s skin and always handmade.  The stitches on the four sides are covered by colored ribbon and metal tacks, with rainbow ribbons on the corners for decoration.  Inside are small seeds, said to have symbolic meaning.  When tapped with the fingers and dry hand strokes (without the use of drumsticks), it produces a recognizable rattling sound.

Today the adufe in Portugal is mostly played by groups of women (Adufeiras) that dance, sing and drum in unison, namely associated with several catholic festivals. 

Resource: https://adufes.com/website/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Artigo-Adufe-Novembro-2021-versao-final.pdf