The Probert Encyclopaedia of Music

TAMBOURINE

A tambourine is a long narrow drum with a single head stretched over a wooden frame into which metal 'jingles' are inserted. The tambourine is probably of Arab origin, and is used in music accompanying folk dances. It is played by striking the skin with the fingers or knuckles, or by banging it against a knee or elbow and shaking it so that the jingles rattle.
Research Tambourine