Origin

• Bodhrans were used at least as early as 1603. There is evidence of them being a part of the Irish rebellion of the same year. Many scholars believe the bodhran was created from an older Irish war drum.
  
  

Function

• The bodhran drum was used in battle to announce the arrival of an army. It was also played to give a beat for pipers to help train warriors. Today, they are used mainly for entertainment purposes and can be found in traditional Irish ceremonies as a musical accompaniment.
  
  

Geography

• Ireland remains where the bodhran is most often seen. It is also used in Celtic music in Newfoundland, Scotland and the surrounding areas.
  
  

Size

• Bodhran drums range in size, typically with a diameter of anywhere between 25 and 65 centimeters. The majority of bodhrans are between 35 and 45 centimeters wide and are between 9 and 20 centimeters deep.
  
  

Materials

• The frame of the bodhran is made of wood or of plastic (or an equivalent material). The drum head is traditionally made of stretched goatskin, though more modern materials include kangaroo skin or various synthetic materials.