Taraban

The taraban (daraban; тарабан) is a percussive drum-like folk instrument of Turkish 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.

The taraban consists of a wooden ring with a diameter of up to 50 cm 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

 * Resheto
 * Bubon
 * Lytavry