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Tar

Circular percussion instrument with a diameter of 20 to 25 cm. Its wooden frame is made up of five openings, on each opening metal jingles (copper) are attached. We hold the tar vertically, between the thumb and the index finger and with the other free fingers of the same hand, we tap the edge of the instrument as we also tap the cymbals with the other fingers. The tar is of Persian origin. Its use spread very early in Central Asia: the Middle East and the Arab Mashrek then it was introduced to the Maghreb by the Andalusians. Both women and men can play tar and the player is generally called El Tarar. The tar is used in classical choir, folk groups, religious songs and prophetic eulogies. It is also used by women's groups.