Arabian in origin, the dumbek is commonly found in Turkey, the Balkan countries, and North Africa. The Dumbek is a drum with a goblet or chalice-like shape. Also known as the Dombak, Doumbek, Darabuka, and Darbukka it is commonly associated with Middle Eastern music, often as the lead voice of percussion. The name is an approximation of the two basic sounds the drum makes: "Dum" (the bass tone) and "Bek" (the high-pitched crack from the edge of the drum). There is actually a great deal of variety available in the sound.
The body of the Dumbek is made of nickel, ceramic, or compressed aluminum. The head may be fish-skin, goat-skin or plastic. The model many professionals use, is compressed aluminum with a plastic head, and can be tuned. The Dumbek is typically about 18" high with a head of 10" in diameter.