A frame drum is a shallow drum; its width is greater than its depth. It is generally made from a hoop of wood. The head of the drum can be made from a synthetic material or from an animal hide, such as deerskin or calf. The drum may have one head or two, and it may have metal jangles on the hoop. Some animal skin drums have a metal tuning system; others have a rope that is attached to the skin that may be pulled tighter. Some frame drums are made to be played with mallets or sticks, and others are played with the fingers. Different cultures have different names for their frame drums. It's a bodhran in Ireland, a tar in Africa, a riq in Arabic countries, and a tambourine in the USA and Europe.
This type of drum has been around for a long time. A priestess playing a frame drum is featured in a painting found in modern day Turkey that dates back to 5600 B.C. Frame drums were played mainly by women in the ancient Middle East, Rome and Greece. To learn more about the fascinating history of frame drums and the women who played them, check out the book When the Drummers Were Women: A Spiritual History of Rhythm, by Layne Redmond. These drums are still used frequently in shamanic ritual, as they are great for creating a trancelike energy.
If you'd like to see two guys having fun with a totally different type of frame drumming, check out this video.
I should let everyone know, that bottom photo under the title is of two frame drums crafted by my friend and drumming partner, Pam Fleenor. If you'd like to see more of her beautiful instruments, check out http://www.wildwoodinstruments.com/ I never intended to advertise drums, but I came across this photo completely serendipitously and felt like I should pass along her info.
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