Turkey, Armenia and Egypt

Arabs

Metal, plastic
Late 20th century
Length: 15.25 in; Diameter: 8.5 in
Membranophones – Struck Membranophones

Darbuka comes from the Arabic verb ‘daraba,’ which means “to strike”.  The darbuka is a single-headed goblet shaped drum (membranophone), that is smaller (approximately: 9-16 inches tall) than a doumbek.  It is commonly used in Arabic music, but is also popular in Balkan, Persian and Turkish music.  Originally it was made from pottery and wood, but during the 20^th century, it is almost always made from metals such as copper or aluminum.  The drumhead of the darbuka originally was goatskin or other animals, but today is usually made from a synthetic material.   It is easier to access the drumhead of the darbuka than that of a doumbek, as the lugs and rim of the drum are exposed on the outside rim of the drum.  The darbuka is found in a range of shapes, sizes and materials in other regions and is known by various different names according to their function and location.