Erbane

The erbane is the Kurdish frame drum: a wooden hoop, a skin, and rows of small rings or jingles fixed inside the rim, played with fingers and palm in fast, rippling patterns. It accompanies song, dance and, in some communities, spiritual practice, and in recent years it has become the emblem of a wider revival of traditional instruments, with ensembles and courses appearing across the homeland and the diaspora. Search interest reflects that revival: the instrument draws over five thousand searches a month, including thousands asking what it is and where to learn or buy one. This page documents the instrument, its technique and its place in the repertoire.