Xinjiang Province of Western China
Uyghurs

Wood, metal, hide
Late 20th century
Diameter: 15 inches
Membranophones – Struck – Directly

This single-headed frame drum (doyra / doira / daire) comes from northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.  In this region it is called a ‘dap’ for the distinct tones it makes – ‘da’ and ‘pu’.  These sounds are an important part of the Xinjiang musical tradition. The dap, a frame drum connected with Muslim cultures and likely of Persian origin, is also found in the Middle East (mainly Iran) where it is known as a daf, dayereh, and riq.  This dap has a tacked-on goatskin head and ring jingles with disc attached inside the thick frame which is painted red.  The dap can be played for dance, as part of a band or even as a stand-alone musical instrument.