Daf

The daf (Persian: دف), also known as dap (دپ), dâyere, or riq, is a special kind of drum used in many countries. It is an Iranian frame drum and is popular in places like Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Georgia, Armenia, Pakistan, India, and even in some cold areas of Russia. Many different groups of people enjoy using this instrument, including those from the Balkans, Caucasians, Bukharan Jews, Kurds, and Macedonians.

The daf is considered the national musical instrument of Pakistan. You can even find it pictured on coins and money in Azerbaijan. Traditionally, it has a round wooden frame, small metal pieces that jingle, and a thin skin made from fish or goat that can also be made from special materials today.

To play the daf, you hit the skin with your hands. The left hand holds the drum and hits the edges, while the right hand hits the middle. By moving the fingers in a special way, players can make quick, loud sounds that make the music come alive.

History

The daf, also called dap, is an old frame drum from Iran. Pictures of daf have been found in art from long before the Common Era. It was used in ancient Iran, even before the rise of Islam and Sufism.

Daf was important in ancient Iranian festivals and ceremonies, especially during the Sassanian period. It was used to accompany classical music created by a musician named Barbod the Great. The rhythms of the daf could help people feel very excited and connected to their spirits.

The daf was also taken to Spain by Arab musicians and later returned to Europe. Today, the daf is still a key part of Iranian music and is popular in many countries, including India. In some Islamic traditions, the daf is special because it is allowed to be used in celebrations.

Structure and construction

The daf has thin metal plates or rings called jingles attached to hooks in the wooden frame. These jingles make pleasant sounds when the drum is played.

The drumhead is made from fish or goat skin. The frame is usually about 45 to 50 centimetres wide (18 to 20 inches) and 5 to 7 centimetres deep (2 to 3 inches). Sometimes the wood is softened in water and bent around a hot metal cylinder to shape the frame. The skin is then attached to the frame using another wooden frame or nails.

There are also variations where the jingles are arranged in a ring around the inside edge of the drum or in several tiers halfway around the inside edge.

Main article: Drumhead

Notable performers

One well-known singer and musician is Ulfatmo Mamadambarova.