Drums, in various forms, have been used across cultures for millennia. They often feature a frame or shell made of wood or other materials, but the drumhead is typically made of animal skin, such as:
* Goat skin: Used for its strength and resilience, often found in traditional drums.
* Sheep skin: Also strong and durable, favored for its elasticity.
* Ox hide: Often used for larger drums due to its size and thickness.
However, other instruments also utilized animal skins:
* Bagpipes: The bag itself, which acts as a reservoir of air, is often made from animal skin.
* Lutes and other stringed instruments: Some ancient instruments, like lutes and zithers, may have had soundboards or resonators made from animal skin.
It's important to note that the specific materials used in ancient instruments varied depending on the culture and the time period. While animal skins were a common choice, other materials like wood, metal, and clay were also frequently employed.