A Dunun (also known as dundun, doundoun, and djun-djun) is the generic name for an African bass drum played with sticks.

More specifically, there are three -- low, medium and high -- named the kenkeni, sangban and doundounba. The kenkeni usually holds the rhythm together with a simple pattern, the sangban typically has a more complex part, and the doundounba often serves to add depth with deep, widely spaced notes.

These are typically made of a wood shell (although metal and fiberglass shells exist) and cowhide heads (although, some have goat-skin heads). The heads are held on with rope and (often) steel rings.

The dunun originated in the Mali empire along with the djembe. Both are instruments primarily of the region that includes Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Ghana.

There are two primary playing styles for dununs. One style has the player using a single drum resting on its side; she hits the head with one stick and a bell mounted on top with the other. For the other style, the player has command of two or three dununs stacked sideways or standing on the floor. Sometimes a bell is included with this second style as well.