Doumbek & Darbuka

The darbuka is a goblet-shaped drum that is has been around for thousands of years. Although the darbuka drum may have originated in Europe, it has becomes a popular form of ceremonial and dance percussion in Middle Eastern and North African countries. Ancient darbukas were often made from wood and clay, but most modern darbukas are now crafted of aluminum or copper with a thin, highly responsive drumhead.

Like its look-alike percussion cousin the darbuka drum, the goblet-shaped doumbek drum is made of aluminum or copper and beautifully embellished with colorful and intriguing artwork. Brought to Persia and North Africa by Celtic nomads thousands of years ago, the doumbek is played with your hands and fingertips and produces a rhythmic combination of deep bass sounds (the “doum”) and crisp, high tones (the “tek” or “ka”). It is also common to see players using a small stick to create the beats.