Adufe MMG 40CM

The MMG 40CM adufe is an instrument full of soul and tradition to set the rhythm of the songs of Beira, Portugal. 

The MMG adufe has an excellent sound. Made with natural leather, stretched on a 40 cm long wooden frame, it is made with all the knowledge and affection of the artisans of Oficina César - MMG.

Located in Ermesinde, in the municipality of Valongo, the Oficina de Artesanato César has manufactured traditional percussion instruments, such as bass drums, timbrels, drums, reco-recos and tambourines, since 1943. Today, under the direction of Manuel Moreira Gonçalves, the Oficina de Artesanato César makes traditional musical instruments and also wooden toys, which he sells to countries like Spain, Holland and Germany.

The adufe is one of the best known traditional Portuguese percussion instruments, with a rich history and unique characteristics for a percussion instrument. In addition to its particular shape, the shallow depth of the frame and the short distance between the heads make it have a light sound, unlike other traditional percussion instruments like the bass drum.

Its peculiar format requires a percussion technique that relies more on tapping fingers and dry hand strokes, not requiring the use of drumsticks. Inside, there are seeds or floorboards that offer an extra richness of sand to the sound of this instrument. It is thought that this instrument was introduced by Arabs in the 11th and 12th centuries.

In traditional Portuguese music, the adufe is often used to accompany traditional songs from the interior of the country, more particularly in the Beira Interior region.

Mainly played by women, the adufe is an instrument that contains a mythology and iconography associated with the ideas of fertility and marriage, being one of the most magical and admired instruments in traditional Portuguese music.

Sing and enchant to the rhythm of an MMG adufe, one of the most representative instruments of national folklore, made in Portugal.

Specifications:

• Adufe with a 40cm side frame.
• Natural skin.
• Made in Portugal.