Taraban Explained

Taraban
Classification:
Hornbostel Sachs:232.311
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The taraban (Turkish: daraban; Ukrainian: тарабан) is a percussive drum-like folk instrument of Turkish[1] origin, which was once used in Ukraine and, to a lesser extent, in Poland.

The etymology of the term comes from a word meaning to make a lot of noise. The first mentions of the taraban date back to the 11th century. It was most likely introduced in East-Central Europe by the Ottoman Janissaries.[1]

The taraban consists of a wooden ring with a diameter of up to 50cm (20inches) which has a skin (often made of dog or cat hide) tightened over both sides. The taraban is struck with the hand or a stick. In comparison to the bubon, the taraban usually has two sides with a stretched skin and no cymbals.

It was a popular instrument among the Ukrainian Cossacks and is considered a Ukrainian folk instrument. Taraban is also mentioned in the Polish anthem and was once utilised by some army units of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Related instruments

See also

Sources

Notes and References

  1. Web site: taraban - Encyklopedia PWN - źródło wiarygodnej i rzetelnej wiedzy. encyklopedia.pwn.pl.