Adufe

A adufe is a Portuguese percussion instrument Arab- Andalusian origin.

Method of construction

The instrument is a rectangular frame drum that is covered on two sides with a fur from sheep or goat skin. The frame consists of wood, the sides of which can be up to 45 cm long. Inside the drum there are seeds, small stones or nowadays even bottle caps that produce a rattling sound when playing. The corners of the instrument are often decorated with colorful ribbons.

Design and name go to the rectangular Arabic frame drum from the early Islamic period ad - duff back.

Game art

Playing the instrument with one hand is held at one corner, while the opposite corner is facing up. The other hand strikes to the head or shakes the frame drum.

Use of the instrument

Adufe is traditionally played by women as an accompaniment to singing at festivals and pilgrimages, mainly in the provinces of Beira Baixa and Trás -os- Montes in Portugal. This use also corresponds to the Arabic origin. In addition, the instrument is used in modern styles of Portuguese music, for example, from the group Dazkarieh.