The Tabla (also called “Dirbakki” in Levantine dialects or “Darbuka” in Western countries) is a goblet shaped drum with skin fixed on one side.

Traditional tabla-s are made of clay and have fish or goat skin glued on and held tightly with a system of woven threads. Modern tabla-s have an aluminum body with a replaceable and tunable plastic (Mylar) head.

The tabla is a very popular instrument in folk and pop music, and is especially popular in the Belly Dance genre. It is used to a certain extent in more classical genres.

Source: Maqam World