From the Hands of Masters: The True Story of Mother of Pearl Darbuka Drums.

Mother of pearl is a material that has been used in various forms of art and decoration throughout history. In Egypt, it has been traditionally used to decorate and embellish musical instruments such as the darbuka drum.

The use of mother of pearl in Egypt dates back to ancient times, where it was used to adorn the sarcophagi of pharaohs and other high-ranking individuals. The material was highly valued for its iridescent beauty and durability, and it was often used to create intricate designs and patterns.

In the context of the darbuka drum, mother of pearl is typically used to cover the exterior of the drum, giving it a stunning, shimmering appearance. The process of covering the darbuka with mother of pearl is highly skilled and time-consuming, involving the careful shaping and fitting of individual pieces to create a seamless, uniform surface.

In addition to its decorative value, the use of mother of pearl on darbuka drums in Egypt also serves as a symbol of cultural identity and heritage. The material and the art of working with it have been passed down through generations of craftsmen, and it remains an important part of Egypt's rich artistic and cultural traditions.

Abalone shells from Australia & New Zeland coasts

In addition to mother of pearl, workers in Egypt also use a variety of other sea shells to decorate darbuka drums. One such shell is the abalone, which is found in the waters off the coasts of Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of the world.

Abalone shells are prized for their vibrant colors and unique patterns, which can range from deep blues and greens to shimmering pinks and purples. In the context of darbuka drum decoration, abalone shells are often used to create eye-catching designs and intricate motifs that complement the natural beauty of the mother of pearl.

To incorporate abalone into the design of a darbuka drum, workers carefully select and cut individual pieces of the shell into small, irregularly shaped fragments. These fragments are then arranged and glued onto the surface of the drum, creating a mosaic-like effect that is both visually striking and durable.

But it's not just their appearance that makes mother of pearl darbuka drums special. They also produce a rich, complex sound that is unlike any other percussion instrument. With a combination of deep "doom" sounds, crisp "tac" notes, and sharp "slap" tones, playing a mother of pearl darbuka is a truly immersive and satisfying experience.

Whether you're a seasoned percussionist or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and power of music, a mother of pearl darbuka drum is a must-have addition to your collection. So why wait? Order yours today and start creating beautiful rhythms that will captivate and inspire everyone around you!

Warning

Unfortunately, there are many counterfeit mother of pearl darbuka drums out there that use imitation materials like plastic instead of genuine mother of pearl. These fake drums might look similar to the real thing at first glance, but they lack the same beauty, durability, and sound quality.

To avoid falling into this trap, it's crucial to buy mother of pearl darbuka drums from a reliable source like Arab Instruments. Arab Instruments has been building authentic mother of pearl darbuka drums in Egypt for over 14 years, and they have a reputation for producing high-quality instruments that are built to last.

When you buy from Arab Instruments, you can be confident that you're getting a genuine mother of pearl darbuka drum that has been crafted with care and precision. Each drum is made using traditional techniques and high-quality materials, ensuring that it looks and sounds as beautiful as it should.

So if you're looking to buy a mother of pearl darbuka drum, make sure to do your research and choose a reputable seller like Arab Instruments. That way, you can be sure that you're getting the real thing and not a cheap imitation.