══ DESCRIPTION ══

Traditional Moroccan Tbilat paired hand drums, formed from two differently sized clay drum bodies joined together with natural hide bindings. Each drum is fitted with a stretched animal-skin head, creating contrasting high and low tones when played by hand.

The Tbilat is a traditional Moroccan percussion instrument resembling a pair of bongos. It normally comprises one larger and one smaller pottery drum, with the hide heads held under tension using plaited gut, sinew or hide cord. The instrument is traditionally positioned between the player’s legs or on the ground and played using both hands.

This example has an appealing handmade folk-art appearance, with pale terracotta clay bodies, naturally textured drumheads and traditional criss-cross bindings. Suitable as a playable world-percussion instrument or as a decorative Moroccan folk piece.

══ MAKER / MARKINGS ══

Unmarked and believed to be traditionally handmade in Morocco.

Constructed from pottery or terracotta clay with natural skin drumheads and hide-style tensioning cords.

══ AGE / PERIOD ══

Exact age unknown.

The handmade construction and naturally aged appearance suggest a vintage example, although a precise production date cannot be confirmed.

══ MEASUREMENTS ══

Overall width: 23 cm / 9.1 inches

Overall height: 14 cm / 5.5 inches

Larger drumhead diameter: 14 cm / 5.5 inches

Smaller drumhead diameter: 8.5 cm / 3.3 inches

══ CONDITION ══

Good overall condition with age-related wear.

The drumheads have natural discolouration, surface marks and variations in texture. The hide bindings show some dryness and general wear.

The clay bodies have surface marks, firing irregularities and natural imperfections. Both drumheads remain present and intact.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

══ ADDITIONAL NOTES ══

Tbilat drums are known for producing a tight, crisp sound similar to bongos, but with a rounder and slightly deeper character due to their pottery bodies and natural hide heads.

A distinctive piece of traditional Moroccan folk percussion with plenty of handmade character.