Material · Animal material

Membrane (skin)

پوست

Thin skin stretched over the bowl of some instruments, such as the tar.

Origin

Lamb or fish skin prepared by makers.

Properties

  • Thin
  • Tension-sensitive
  • Humidity-sensitive

Preparation

Soak, stretch and glue over the frame.

Care & preservation

Avoid heat and sharp changes in humidity.

General guidance only. For valuable or fragile pieces, consult a qualified conservator before cleaning or treatment.

Used in these crafts

Instrument making (Saz-sazi)

The workshop making of Iranian instruments such as the tar, setar, kamancheh, santur and oud, combining woodwork, skin membranes and inlaid decoration.