Drum

Drums in Ancient Egypt

The Middle Kingdom saw the emergence of rudimentary drums in ancient Egypt, fashioned from the hollows of tree trunks. Around 1750 B.C.E., drums shaped like goblets and pots, covered with skin with the bottom open, were introduced from the Palestinian region. Soon, hooped drums, much like the ones we have today, were introduced.

Drums were often brightly painted and decorated, and were played with the hands. At first drums were not used for music - their original purpose was for war, to beat out instructions for soldiers over the dim of a battle. Later drums were used to coordinate oarsmen on the barques which sailed down the Nile, then finally for music and worship.

Musical Instruments