Darbuka Origins and Structure

Introduction

Let’s introduce the Darbuka instrument and get to know what it is. The Darbuka has many names, comes in different shapes and sizes and has various parts. In this chapter, we will set the scene and get to know the instrument better. 

The Darbuka

The Darbuka is a drum that we typically class in the World Percussion category of musical instruments. It is a goblet-shaped drum that many people consider to be the leader of percussion instruments in the Middle East and North Africa. It is also played widely across South East Asia, namely in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Figure 1 – A Darbuka

The Darbuka is known as a goblet drum because its shape narrows in the middle and widens at the base. This shape is similar to that of a goblet or chalice glass. Historically Darbukas were made of clay or wood with an animal skin stretched over the head; such materials would create high-quality sounds. However, we typically make contemporary darbukas out of aluminium, copper or synthetic fibres, which are ideal as they prevent damage to the Darbuka and don’t break as easily as clay. They are also easier to work with and therefore make large-scale production easier.

Darbukas are commonly adorned with beautiful and fantastic designs, differentiating them from almost any other musical instrument. Many would say that a Darbuka isn’t complete without a colourful design flaunting the incredible design and technical prowess of the Darbuka’s craftsman. One may also note the different designs that the Darbuka can take dependant on its region of manufacture. Darbukas from Turkey use different designs to those from Egypt, which use different designs to those from Indonesia. The Darbuka may well be the best ornamented in the world that is in mass use. We can use various materials to create these fantastic designs, including paints, glosses, Mother of Pearl gemstones and coloured metals, plastics and stones.

Origins

The Darbuka has been around for millennia. Some have estimated that its origins date back to as far as the Babylonian period. This estimate is likely because hand drums have been an integral part of many cultures and societies, likely since early human history. The Darbuka, a goblet-shaped hand drum, has manifested itself in its current form in the Middle East, North Africa, South-East Asia and Turkey. Other instruments such as the African Djembe, Iranian Tombak, and various other West African drums are likely to be different manifestations of the same original Babylonian drums. 

Figure 2 – A Djembe

In present times the Darbuka is deeply embedded into Middle Eastern and North African heritage. It is used in countries like Algeria and Syria as a core part of any wedding or celebration. Consequently, most children (male and female) grow up with some education on how to play the Darbuka. It’s no surprise then that some of the greatest Darbuka masters alive today hail from such countries.

Different names that the Darbuka can take

The Darbuka can be referred to by many names. The name used can vary by the size of the Darbuka in question, or the region in which the name is used. To make matters even more confusing, most people use various names interchangeably, which makes it harder to identify what someone is referring to. For simplicity, we consistently use the term “Darbuka” to refer to the drum in question. However, the below list should help you understand what other people mean when they use different names.

• Darbuka – If you’re reading this, you know what a Darbuka is. They are fantastic percussion instruments that create amazing sounds.
• Doumbek – Another word for Darbuka. Some would say that Doumbek and Darbuka are different, but in practice, most people use the names interchangeably.
• Sombaty – A (slightly) larger sized Darbuka.
• Doholla – A very large Darbuka.
• Tabla – In India, this instrument is a two-part drum that’s part of the Indian musical heritage. In Egypt, a Tabla means a Darbuka. 
• Tarabana/Darabana – Another word for a Darbuka, commonly used across Eastern Europe. 
• Bongo – A different instrument that has nothing to do with a Darbuka.

Let’s just analyse the above names in a little more depth. Inside Egypt, we use the words Tabla, Sombaty and Doholla primarily. Since Egypt is commonly agreed to be home to the best of Arabic music, this is important to note.

Outside of Egypt, in most Arab and Western countries, we drop the word Tabla, and replace it with Darbuka or Doumbek:

• Darbuka, coming from the Arabic word Daraba (to strike) is a widespread name that people use.
  • I use the word Darbuka when referring to this instrument, and many other Westerners will also do the same.
• Doumbek is another popular name that is used. It is likely named as such because of the sounds the instrument makes when played (namely Doum and Tek).
  • The name Doumbek is likely used rather than Doumtek because of the ease of pronunciation.

Finally, within Eastern Europe (Poland, Romania, etc.), it is unanimously agreed that the name Tarabana/Darabana is used.

Note: You should never refer to the Darbuka as a “Bongo drum” or “the Bongos”. Calling the Darbuka by one of these names is a cardinal sin in the Darbuka world.

Different types of Darbuka available

There are many types of Darbuka available on the market today. We have different materials, different sizes, and even different shapes. Let’s explore some of these and see what’s what.

Wood Darbukas are a thing of the past

These are rare to come by, and when you do find them, they tend to be quite terrible. I wouldn’t recommend getting a wood Darbuka. They are often on the shelves of street sellers on the streets of Cairo, and these “instruments” are considered souvenirs at best.

Clay Darbukas can be amazing but are challenging to maintain

Some may say that since Darbukas were traditionally made of clay, that these are the best kind of Darbuka. The reality is that Darbukas were also traditionally played in deserts, where it was always hot and dry. Nowadays, the Darbuka is played around the world where there are a multitude of different temperatures and humidities to consider. Herein lies the core problem of the clay Darbuka; the skin is tied to the body using rope, and the skin is usually a natural animal skin. This type of roped skin clay Darbuka may lose its tension should the humidity increase, which is a real problem in most parts of Europe and the US. It’s also very fragile, which means if you hit it against something hard or drop it, it will likely crack and break beyond repair. If you’re a beginner, this choice of Darbuka may be unwise.

That’s not to say that clay Darbukas aren’t a wonder to play. I personally have a clay Doholla which I use and play all the time. However, it was hand-made, costly and is prone to damage. I, therefore, don’t travel with this Doholla where possible. It also requires that an adjustable heat source is placed inside the Doholla (usually a light bulb) to keep the skin tight and playable in all climates. As such, you need a socket available to play this Doholla!

Figure 3 – A Bass Doholla

Metal Darbukas are convenient and sound fantastic

The invention of the metal Darbuka in the 20th century was indeed a brilliant idea. You now no longer have to worry about a Darbuka going out of tune when it’s needed most, nor do you have to worry about it dropping and breaking. Parts are easy to find and fit without any professional help, and they generally sound quite good too. I recommend a metal Darbuka to all beginners trying their hand at Darbuka for the first time. After all, I learnt on a metal Darbuka myself.

A note on Turkish flat-head Darbukas

The Turkish Darbuka is an interesting spin on the classic round-headed design of the Arabic Darbuka. The Turkish Darbuka is characterised by its flat head with sharp edges and exposed tuning lugs. This flat head design makes finger snaps, and very advanced Turkish split-hand rolls more comfortable to play. They’re also easier to make and so can be cheaper too. Unfortunately, they are not ideal for beginners and are optimised more for someone playing using the Turkish split-hand technique. This technique is quite an advanced style of playing that you should build up towards over some years. As such, a typical beginner would be better off with a standard Arabic Darbuka at the start of their journey.

Figure 4 – A Turkish flat-head Darbuka

Differentiation from similar musical instruments

The single-headed feature of the Darbuka is what distinguishes it from other similar musical instruments such as the Indian Tabla or the Dhol. Another point of differentiation is that it is played with the hands, rather than with a stick or beater. This design allows us to use intricate finger patterns in Darbuka rhythms, which is what makes it such a popular instrument.

Figure 6 – An Indian Tabla

It is likely that the most similar instrument to the Darbuka is the Djembe, another similarly shaped drum from Africa. The main difference between the Darbuka and the Djembe lies in the Djembe’s typically wooden body and natural skin, and the Darbuka’s typically metal body and plastic skin. The Darbuka creates a sharper sound of a much higher pitch, whereas the Djembe produces a deeper sound of a relatively lower pitch. As such, a Darbuka will cut through a mix of musicians more easily. I personally very much enjoy a mix that includes both a Darbuka and a Djembe!

Typical structure

The Darbuka body is traditionally made of clay. Ropes are tied over the top of the body to allow a natural skin (such as fish or goat) to cover the large opening. This structure allows for the most powerful and resonant sounds.  

In modern times, Darbuka bodies are usually made of metal. Bolts are screwed into the metal shell to hold down the plastic skin. This structure is more practical as leather skin can vary in tightness depending on the weather and humidity, whereas plastic skin will always remain at the same level of tightness. A metal body is also more resistant to damage and will not break as easily as a clay body might.

A plastic skin cannot be used on a clay Darbuka, as the clay Darbuka is quite brittle; drilling holes in it would weaken its structure.

Darbuka Diagrams

Figure 7 – Metal Darbuka diagram

Figure 8 – Clay Darbuka diagram