Barrel-shaped drums are widest at the center, with rounded outline narrowing toward the ends, but a variant that is wider at the center and has rectilinear narrowing is usually included in this classification. The latter form existed in ancient Egypt and is found in India and East Asia today. A characteristic of both types is their horizontal position when played, both heads being struck.
The barrel drum was first seen in Egypt, during the Middle and New Kingdoms, and two small...