double-headed drum

musical instrument

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June 25, 2026

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A double-headed drum is a type of musical instrument classified as a membranophone, meaning its sound is produced by a vibrating stretched membrane. This type of drum has a membrane stretched over both ends of its shell, which can be made of wood, metal, or pottery. The double-headed drum is a later development in the history of drums, which have been found in archaeological sites dating back to 6000 BCE. These drums are typically struck with a hand or a stick to produce sound. The term "double drum" can also refer to a kettledrum.12

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percussion instrument
Membranophones
Double-headed drums served to provide rhythmic accompaniment in the Middle Ages, and in the 7th century is found the first evidence of their being played with drumsticks, a technique adopted from Asia. The small rope-strung cylinder drum known as the tabor entered western Europe during…
Read More
Double-headed drums served to provide rhythmic accompaniment in the Middle Ages, and in the 7th century is found the first evidence of their being played with drumsticks, a technique adopted from Asia. The small rope-strung cylinder drum known as the tabor entered western Europe during…
Read More

Native American music
Membranophones
Double-headed drums come in many sizes and shapes. Pueblo peoples accompany certain ceremonial dances with a cylindrical drum about 75 cm (30 inches) high and 38 cm (15 inches) in diameter. Made from cottonwood, the shell is scraped to a thickness of about 15 mm…
Read More
Double-headed drums come in many sizes and shapes. Pueblo peoples accompany certain ceremonial dances with a cylindrical drum about 75 cm (30 inches) high and 38 cm (15 inches) in diameter. Made from cottonwood, the shell is scraped to a thickness of about 15 mm…
Read More

drum
The double-headed drum came later, as did pottery drums in various shapes. The heads were fastened by several methods, some still in use. The skin might be secured to single-headed drums by pegs, nails, glue, buttoning (through holes in the membrane), or neck lacing (wrapping a…
Read More
The double-headed drum came later, as did pottery drums in various shapes. The heads were fastened by several methods, some still in use. The skin might be secured to single-headed drums by pegs, nails, glue, buttoning (through holes in the membrane), or neck lacing (wrapping a…
Read More