Sicilian Tambourine

Musical Instrument

The Sicilian Tambourine is a typical musical instrument of the popular tradition. This instrument is made up of a few elements: a wooden crown on which a leather membrane is stretched, which has slits where cimbalini and rattles of various metal materials are applied. It is believed that the circular shape of the Sicilian tambourine and the presence of the rattles were chosen to recall the shape of the sun and its rays, the symbol of Astarte, the goddess of fertility. In fact, in the paintings the tambourine is often represented as a red wooden crown with flames painted on it. Today the tambourine is skilfully decorated by Sicilian artists with the colors and symbols of Sicilian culture.