The Bodhran is a simple and very old type of drum known as a frame drum. Frame drums are found in many different countries around the world which are similar in appearance or playing technique, whilst Ireland's version, the Bodhran, has developed its own look and playing technique.
The Bodhran can vary in size from 15" to 22" in diameter, with 18" being the most common. The head of the Bodhran can be made of deer, sheep, calf, goat, greyhound, or horse skin, although goat is the most common and favored material.
The peculiar point of the Bodhran is that, it needs some humidity by using a sprayer or a wet cloth, in order to play properly. The Bodhran is played with the double-ended stick called a cipin in the right hand and a crosspiece of one or two bars mounted inside the shell in the left hand (or without touching the crossepiece)to regulate the tension of the skin.