Full Circle

Sieves, like the one shown, have been used for generations to aid the olive and almond harvests (just to name two examples of when it’s used) by straining dirt and other particles out from fruit that has fallen to the ground. When we see an antique sieve next to a tamburello, or Italian frame drum…

Santo Vitale is a very talented drum maker and percussionist based in Palermo. He made one of my favorite drums—the one I play most often. Santo is a member of La Bottega delle Percussioni. More at http://www.santovitalepercussioni.it #palermo #drums #drum #tamburelli #tamburello #percussion #santovitale #bottegadellepercussioni #music #musica #folkmusic #musicafolk #sicily #sicilia #sicily_tourism #italy #ig_sicily #italia…

Southern Italy and Sicily have an ancient tradition of drumming and dancing practiced for anything from celebrations to healing rituals. These frame drums (called tamburelli in Italian) are a modern example of the instrument design used for centuries: wood treated and formed into a circle, then covered with a dried goat, sheep, or even, fish…

An ancient urn from Sicily depicts a scene inspired by the rites of the Greek god Dionysius as celebrated by his cult, who are known as Bacchantes. Note the frame drums or tamburelli and the thyrsus, a giant fennel staff topped with a pine cone and ivy leaves. A thyrsus is a symbol of fertility….