Fann aṭ-Ṭanbūra (Arabic:فن الطنبورة) is a traditional music and dance genre in theArab states of the Persian Gulf, especiallyBahrain,Kuwait andOman. Musically, thetanbūra instrument plays a central role, along with severaldrums and themanjur— an instrument made from a large number of goat hooves attached to a type of apron which is wrapped around the waist of the performer.
Men and women both participate in the singing and dance. Fann at-tanbura is closely associated with theZār spiritual ritual, and it was originally used in healing practices. Participants would occasionally fall into atrance. In modern times though it is more often a musical performance.