The Duhulla is a type of bass drum1 that is commonly found in Arabic percussion. Usually, it is played along with the Tabla, Goblet drum, Darabuka, Riq (tambourine), and Daf (frame drum.) Duhulla, sometimes referred to as Doholla, or Bass Darabuka, is mostly found across the Middle East. Used mostly in festival settings,2 it is part of many trans-regional traditional music and dance across the Arab world.3 It is very similar to the Darabuka (or as known by Egyptians, the Tabla), but it is a larger version and has a deeper sound.1
Construction
Traditional Duhullas consist of a clay body and a drumhead that is usually derived from animal hides such as that of a goat, cow, or camel. Modern varieties are made of either ceramic or metals such as aluminium and brass and feature a tuneable plastic drumhead. Heights can range from anywhere between 8 and 19 inches tall.1
Sound
A Duhulla is known for its wide dynamic range. It can create both deep bass or high-pitched tones. While it can be used as a solo instrument, it is most commonly utilized as a complement to a Tabla driven ensemble.3
Cultural Uses
The Duhulla is used across the Arab world in regionally unique traditional music. Often it is used in an ensemble with other native Arabic musical instruments.2
References
References
- "Evgeny Percussion - Professional clay solo 8" darbuka, clay sumbaty (sumbati) 9" doumbek, ceramic 10" dohola darbuka, ceramic clay bass darbuka doumbek drum, turkish clay darbuka drum, egyptian clay darbuka drum". www.darbukashop.com. Retrieved 2016-09-27.
- "Baramka". El Mastaba Center For Egyptian Folk Music مركز المصطبة للموسيقى الشعبية المص. Retrieved 2016-09-27.
- "Elements of Arabic Drumming w/ Faisal Zedan | SFJAZZ". www.sfjazz.org. Archived from the original on 2016-09-27. Retrieved 2016-09-27.