Here the drum is made of earthenware, of a tapering shape covered at both ends with camel-hide for the _zir_ or treble, and with cowhide for the _bam_ or bass.

It is beaten at the broader end.

In Persia the drums were played from the Nakkara-khana or gateway, which still exists as an appanage of royalty in the chief cities of Iran.

They were beaten to greet the rising and to usher out the setting sun.

During the months of mourning, Safar and Muharram, they were silent.