of the earliest recordings of this instrument. The size of these early tabors ranged approximately 11-12 inches in diameter and 4-10 inches in width/depth. These 13th century tabors were thus larger across their diameter, but the tabor continued to evolve with time and eventually some were almost even in diameter and width. The 16th century design of the tabor changed to the opposite proportions from the earlier models with the width being greater. Tabors were constructed of wood for the body of the drum with the stretched membrane made out of some type of skin. It was primarily used for the outdoors. The tabor is a precursor to the side drum. The common way of playing the tabor together with the pipe produced the effect of a single person band. It was often played for dancing, and was sometimes played as a small ensemble with the bagpipes. Since the tabor was used to accompany dancing, regular rhythmic beats were common for this instrument. The tabor was used to accompany Morris style folk dancing. Initial documents show that a type of horn was played with the tabor, which then later lead into the pipe and tabor duo. This combination flourished in musical performances between the 13th-16th century and was connected with nobility. The tabor together with the pipe had the ability to make complicated musical timing meters. The tabor was also played solo. By the 15th century the size of the tabor increased. Players used two sticks instead of the original single stick to hit on the membrane. The larger 2-sticked version was predominantly used in military contexts, while the smaller single-sticked tabor was retained for dance music. Tabor use decreased by the mid-17th century. The tabor did continue to evolve throughout the 19th and into the 20th century. The tabor style is still used as the tambourin de Provence. See also Davul Dhol Dohol Dunun References External links Musicien jouant du flûtet-tabor, illustration, details Drums Battle drums