Riqq

20th century

Not on view

The riqq is a small, circular drum with jingles of the tambourine family. The instrument is used in many parts of the Middle East including Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. This is a typical example with decoration suggestive of Syria or Egypt. The body is made of a wooden frame that has a single skin head stretched across the drum that is glued in place and reinforced with a row of tacks. The body is decorated with elaborate geometric inlay (on the interior and exterior of the drum). The wooden frame has six double rows of slots in which are mounted pairs of cymbals (24 in total) that create a bright metallic jingle when the instrument is struck or shaken.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Riqq
Date: 20th century
Geography: Egypt
Culture: Egyptian
Medium: Wood, hide, metal
Dimensions: D. 6 × Diam. 22.8 cm (2 3/8 × 9 in.)
Classification: Membranophone-single-headed / frame drum
Credit Line: Gift of Herbert J. Harris, 1986
Object Number: 1986.467.24
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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