Professional Riqq (Egyptian tambourine) with Mother of Pearl Inlay
The Riqq (also spelled Rek, riq or rik)
is a type of tambourine used as a traditional instrument in Arabic music. It is an important instrument in both folk and classical music throughout the Arabic-speaking world. It traditionally has a wooden frame (although in the modern era it may also be made of metal), jingles, and a thin, translucent head made of fish or goat skin (or, more recently, a synthetic material).
Although in the West the tambourine is generally considered to be a simple rhythm instrument suited for unskilled performers, riq players are capable of great subtlety and virtuosity. The Riqq is used in many parts of the Middle East including Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria. This is a typical example with decoration suggestive of Syria or Egypt.