In Mosul, Iraqi craftsmen are working to preserve the traditional art of drum-making, a craft closely tied to the city’s cultural identity and long associated with religious, social and artistic occasions.
The process begins with selecting and shaping suitable wood by hand, followed by attaching metal rings and stretching animal hide over the frame. The finished drum is then tested and tuned to ensure the desired sound. Artisans say producing each piece requires precision, experience and considerable time.
The heritage craft faces several challenges, including rising wood prices and the declining availability of hides once commonly used in drum production. As oak and walnut become harder to obtain, and wolf and gazelle hides grow increasingly rare, craftsmen have turned to alternatives such as sheep and goat skins while preserving the drum’s traditional design and distinctive sound.
