Zill
Zill, or zills in plural, are a pair of small finger cymbals used as a percussion instrument in Middle Eastern music, most famously in belly dancing. The name derives from the Turkish word zil, meaning bell. Zills are designed to be worn on the hands so the discs can be struck together rapidly to produce a bright, high-pitched jingling sound that complements rhythmic patterns in the music.
Construction and materials commonly include brass or bronze discs that each range from roughly 2 to 4
Playing technique emphasizes alternating strikes between the two discs and sometimes against the palm or wrist
Context and use vary by region but zills are most closely associated with belly dancing and Middle
History and notes: Zills have long been linked to Middle Eastern musical traditions, with widespread use in