Name of Instrument: darabukka

Maker / Brand:

Stearns Catalog #: 0329

Country of Origin: Tunisia

Region of Origin: Africa

Instrument Category: Membranophone

Date of Fabrication:

Location: MEM D 2

Description: This Tunisan goblet-shaped, single-headed drum would have been used for cafe music and classical music. Normally held on the player's lap with the head on the right knee, it was struck with the palm of the right hand in the center of the head with the fingers of the left hand on the top of the head. The Daraboukkehs from Morocco, Tunis, Egypt, Algeria, and Syria are essentially identical, and illustrate the vogue of the type. The body of Stearns #0328 is of terra cotta, #0329 is of earthenware, those of #0330 and #0331 feature beautifully inlaid wood. The body of Stearns #0332 is of etched brass. The heads are all of parchment, with the exception of Stearns #0330 which is crafted from the skin of the Bayard fish.

Research: Stearns Staff