What is the name of a rope-tuned skin-covered goblet-shaped drum played with bare hands, typically carved from hollowed wood?

• A. Kabuki
• B. Djembe
• C. Pipa
• D. Maqam System

Answer: (B)

This description points to the djembe, a traditional West African drum known for its goblet-shaped wooden body, a skin head, and rope-tuning system. The goblet shape comes from carving the drum from a single block of hardwood, giving a narrow neck and a wider middle. The head is typically goatskin and is stretched and tightened with a network of ropes around the rim; twisting those cords changes the tension and pitch. It’s designed to be played with bare hands, producing a wide range of tones—from deep bass when struck in the center to brighter slaps near the edge. The djembe is a staple in West African music and communal ensembles, reflecting its cultural origin and playing technique.

The other options don’t fit this precise combination: one refers to a Japanese theater tradition, another to a Chinese string instrument, and the last to a melodic system rather than an instrument.