Bendir
Bendir, bendeyr, framedrums, daira, doira, handdrum, dayereh zangi
Classification: membranophones
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Bendir
The Bendir is a percussion instrument typical in Morocco and Algeria (as bendayr). Strings – called zanzana or uzmân – attached to the underside of the head to give it a characteristic buzz. The bendayr has a hole – thît or eye – in it’s frame, permitting to pull the thumb through it and played it upright. Unlike the Tar and Deff the other framedrum instruments widely used in the islamic world.
The membrane of the bendir is made of animal skin on a frame of wood with a thumb hole in it. Three or sometimes 4 strings are attached on the back to make a resonant sound.
The characteristic unique thick sound – a combination of resonance and low drum comes by the snares that make a buzz when the drum is struck.
This instrument has a dominant role in Morroccan folkmusic, mainly by the Amazigh and Berber population.
