The Bodhrán: The Heartbeat of Irish Music

The bodhrán is a simple frame drum similar to those used in much of Africa and Asia. In fact, the two most popular theories of its origin trace it to Africa via Spain, or to Asia via early Celtic migration westward.

For centuries, the bodhrán was used more for noise making in battle and at festivities than in musical performances. Musicians in Munster relied more on the bodhrán those in the rest of Ireland. Its use spread greatly during the traditional music revival of the 1960s and 1970s. Now, it is widely seen as a mainstay of Irish and Scottish percussion.

Information on the Bodhrán

• The Bodhrán Page at Ceolas.

Irish Bodhrán Makers and Sellers

• Other Worlds
• Hobgoblin USA

Bones

Bones consist of two animal rib bones, or, more commonly today, two pieces of hard wood formed to the curved shape of rib bones. The bones player holds both pieces in one hand, one between the index and middle fingers firmly against the palm of the hand. The other is more loosely held between the middle and ring fingers. To play, she turns the wrist sharply to snap the free bone against the stationary.

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