English

Noun

alfaia ‎(plural alfaias)

1. A Brazilian drum with a membrane made of animal skin.
   • 2015 August 3, Ben Ratliff, “Review: Nação Zumbi Returns to Central Park SummerStage”, in New York Times:

     And there was the band’s centerpiece and glory, the interlocking rhythm of a trap-set drummer, a percussionist, and three standing drummers playing the alfaia, the large wooden drum from the African-derived, northeastern Brazilian song-and-dance tradition of maracatu.

Portuguese

Etymology

From Arabic

Noun

alfaia f (plural alfaias)

1. utensil
2. ornament

Synonyms

• (utensil): utesílio, instrumento, ferramenta, aparato
• (ornament): ornamento, ornato, enfeite, adorno