The Darbuka is an hour-glass shaped drum that can be found throughout North African, Turkish and Middle Eastern cutures. Its name has many variations in spelling including:

• Darabuka

• Darbuka

• Doumbek

• Dumbek

• Dumbeck

• Doumbeck

The Darbuka is played with the fingertips and is help under one arm. Various materials can be used to create a Darbuka, such as metal, wood, or clay with a plastic or goat skin across the drum head.

To alter the tone, some players move their fists in and out of the bell to adjust the tone.