Handdrum

Handdrum refers to a percussion instrument played primarily with the hands. The term covers drums whose sound is produced by striking a membrane or shell with the hands rather than with sticks. Handdrums vary in shape, size, and construction, including goblet, barrel, and frame forms. Most have a hollow body and a skin or synthetic head stretched over an opening; materials range from wood or ceramic to metal and plastic. Tension is adjusted by ropes, lugs, or tuners.

Playability and tone: The main attack tones are bass (center), tone (near the edge), and slap (high). Techniques use the palms, fingers, and fingertips, with variations in hand position, grip, and wrist action to shape volume, attack, and sustain. Some handdrums are tuned before playing, while others rely on natural resonance. The performer can produce polyphonic textures by layering strokes and muting or dampening the head.

Common examples: Djembe (West Africa) with a goblet body; darbuka or doumbek (Middle East); conga (Cuba) tall barrel drums; bodhran (Ireland) a shallow frame drum. Other widespread handdrums include riq, pandeiro, and various frame drums used around the world.

History and use: Handdrums appear in many ancient and traditional cultures and have played roles in ritual, court entertainment, and folk ensembles. In modern contexts they feature in world music, fusion, education, and therapy, valued for portability and rhythmic versatility.