Bodhran Drum, Ireland, 1500 CE

by Meagan Sarah Stefanow '98


There is not a great deal of information about the bodhran and its history, probably because the drum hasn't really changed much over time. It resembles a large tambourine without the jingling parts and has a rather deep and somber sound. The word bodhran in Irish for deaf. It is a folk instrument that was originally beaten with one hand, but eventually a cipin, a small beater, was used to play the bodhran.


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