Daf

Daf, is the most renowned frame drum of the Middle East, widely played across a broad geographical area from the Caucasus to Iran. It has accompanied dancers and singers in sacred ceremonies for centuries, surrounded by an aura of mystery and uniqueness. According to legend, its origins trace back to a woman who began tapping on a flour sieve. Over time, this evolved into circular movements as if sifting flour, eventually incorporating rings, and the rest became history.

History of the Daf

The Persian Daf, also known as the Erbane, has a mysterious past. Despite being a rather simple drum, its ability to produce a variety of sounds is astonishing. You can strike it with your hands and also spin it, causing the metal rings to pluck the skin, creating different tones.

Different Daf Heads

Traditionally made with natural skin, modern times have seen synthetic materials becoming more popular for Daf construction. The advantages are clear in terms of maintenance, tuning, and stability, as synthetic heads are durable. Nevertheless, Dafs made with goat skin and featuring internal tuning systems are still available.

Choosing a Daf

When selecting a Daf, it's important to consider its weight. Playing the Daf requires a lot of movement — up, down, and sideways — demanding force and energy. You wouldn't want to handle something weighing 1 kg in your hands, would you?