Iran
Iranian

Wood, goatskin, brass rings, metal
Mid 20th century
Diameter: 21.5 in; Frame depth: 2.3 in
Membranophones – Struck Membranophones

The daf (daff) is a single-headed frame drum found in the Muslim cultures of the Middle East, Southeastern Europe, and Central Asia.  It is used in folk music, art music, popular and classical music, and particularly in Sufi religious rituals in Iran and Pakistan.  In Pakistan, it is recognized as their national instrument.  Its ancient name in Iranian language is dap.  From iconography (paintings) the dap appears to have existed before the Common Era (B.C.E). 

This Iranian daf is known as a ‘Kurdish Frame Drum’.  It consists of a heavy wooden frame 21.5 inches in diameter and 2.3 inches deep, with a goatskin membrane fastened to the frame by staples and decorative tacks.  Over 300 brass rings (3/4 inch diameter) loosely fastened to over 70 staples are fitted on the inside of the hoop.  These rings/jingles play an important part on the intrinsic affect when sounded in the Kurdish Sufi ceremonies.  The playing technique involves shaking the frame so that the rings strike the skin in conjunction with the player’s hand.  There is a notched area in the frame for the placement of the thumb.

Reference: “Daff,” Christian Poch/Veronica Doubleday. “The Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments.” 2nd ed. Vol 2. Laurence Libin, Editor in Chief.  Oxford University Press.