The Gallal percussion instrument
The gallal is a percussion instrument. All known ancient types of gallal are made from clay, leather or rope. There are three types of gallal instrument, a large instrument called (El-Khellaf), a medium-sized instrument called (Er-Rbâa) and a third small size known as (El-Aridja). These are in fact common instruments whose role is to control the rhythm of the baroud (powder) rifle dance.
The large instrument (El-Khellaf) is often used, two to three, in the dances so that the role of the first “khellaf” is to direct and control the rhythm, the second is to maintain the balance of the troupe and it is essential, and the third is to create a link between the first and the second “khellaf” by filling the gap. As for the average instrument, (Er-Rbâa), the use generally of a single piece is sufficient to raise and lower the musical balance. On the other hand, the small instrument (El-Aridja) is essential since it controls both the balance and the musical rhythm.
The large instrument (El-Khellaf) is often used, two to three, in the dances so that the role of the first “khellaf” is to direct and control the rhythm, the second is to maintain the balance of the troupe and it is essential, and the third is to create a link between the first and the second “khellaf” by filling the gap. As for the average instrument, (Er-Rbâa), the use generally of a single piece is sufficient to raise and lower the musical balance. On the other hand, the small instrument (El-Aridja) is essential since it controls both the balance and the musical rhythm.