A naker or nakir is a small drum, of Arabic origin, and the forebear of the European timpani (kettledrum).
The nakers were imported into Europe during the Crusades of the 13th century.
Nakers consist of metal or wood dome-shaped bodies with goatskin drumheads, with or without snares, and are played by striking them with the hands or with sticks. They are typically played in pairs, often in a sling or harness.
