The alfaia is a Brazilian membranophone. It is a wooden drum made of animal skin tensioned or loosened through ropes placed alongside the body of the instrument. [1] Alfaias are usually between 40 centimetres (16 in) and 55 centimetres (22 in) in diameter.

The alfaia (or also: bumbo, bombo de maracatu) is the key instrument in the traditional Maracatu de Baque Virado from Pernambuco. It was popularised throughout Brazil in the early 90s by Chico Science and the Mangue Beat movement.

The alfaia (bass drum) is the heartbeat of maracatu. This lesson pack will cover the most essential maracatu groove as well as alfaia technique. We will cove...

The alfaia is a Brazilian membranophone. It is a wooden drum made of animal skin tensioned or loosened through ropes placed alongside the body of the instrument...

Las alfaias de maracatu son el instrumento principal en el baque virado de Pernambuco. También conocidas como Bombo de Maracatu. El sonido característico de la Alfaia es profundo y pesado, bien diferente a los surdos de samba o otros tipos de bombos.

Alfaia (significado: roupa, utensílio, enfeite) é um instrumento musical da família dos membranofones (o som é obtido através da membrana ou pele) com volume determinado pelo tocador, utilizado principalmente no ritmo do Maracatu, e também usado no Coco e na Ciranda.

Immerse yourself in the rhythmic richness of northeastern Brazil with an authentic alfaia, the essential bass drum of maracatu and coconut. Its wooden body , combined with goatskin drumheads and a rope tensioning system, creates a deep, powerful and enveloping sound that resonates with the strength of tradition.

The Alfaia is the backbone of maracatu, driving its powerful rhythms with a deep, resonant voice rooted in Recife’s traditions. Crafted from carved wood and natural animal skin, it delivers a raw, grounded sound that connects player and audience to its cultural origins.

Barravento Alfaia 18" x 45cm wood shell Skin heads on wood hoops Nylon Rope tuning This is a common and versatile size of alfaia. Great for all styles of maracatú, coco, and other rhythms from the North East of Brazil.

To play the alfaia, traditionally 2 differently sized, hard and unpadded sticks are used. The thicker one is called baqueta, the thinner one is known as the bacalhao.