The Bandir (Bendir) Drum- Middle East Musical Instrument

The Bandir, or Bendir is a wooden frame drum with a membrane, forty or more centimeters in diameter. The drum is kept vertical by inserting the thumb of the left hand in a special hole in the frame. Two strings of gut are stretched across the inside back of the drum, touching the skin, to provide resonance.  The Bandir, or Bendir is used in religious ceremonies. In Arab countries, where it is very common, it is also used in the special ceremonies of the Sufi. The Sufi tradition is  strongly characterized by the use of music, rhythm and dance to reach particular states of consciousness. Sufis relate that Jellal-ud-din Rumi, totally absorbed in the contemplation of the Creator and inspired by Him, suddenly began to rotate rhythmically, while his gown, like the movements of his hands, drew a sort of circle in the air (gestures that were to become the main feature of the sacred dance of the Sufi Rakh). The memory of this "vision" and of that moment of mystical ecstasy continues to be celebrated - to the present - in the dances of the darwishes (dervishes). Click to hear the Bandir played (from Nabeg -Nabil Abu Nicola-Ruach CD -Musicians for Peace) More Musical Instruments of the Middle East

 

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