Categories
Belly Dance General

Finger Cymbals: Ancient & Modern

Do you play finger cymbals, zills, or sagat? 

A little over a decade ago, I had an epiphany. Finger cymbals are our most ancient, deepest connection with our dance ancestors. From my research emerged the book “From Turban to Toe Ring.”

Ancient cymbals in museum collections

If you love looking at ancient finger cymbals, here are some sets at museums around the world. Digital collections allow us to see objects, even when they are not on display.

Ancient finger cymbals are occasionally available to purchase

For those with a taste for antiquity, there are occasionally sets of ancient finger cymbals available for sale through antiquities dealers and auction houses:

Modern finger cymbal recommendations

Looking for a quality set of finger cymbals?  Check out this short list of quality brands. I own and highly recommend instruments by all four of these brands:

A few readings on finger cymbal history:
Patreon Talk: “Finger Cymbals: Ancient and Modern”

Interested in learning more?  Check out my latest video on the history of finger cymbals.  Now available on my Patreon feed, “Finger Cymbals: Ancient and Modern” covers recent research, ancient metallurgy techniques, Byzantine-era depictions of dancers, and more.  Available at the $15 tier.

“Finger Cymbals: Ancient and Modern”

“Zills: Music On Your Fingertips” 

If you are looking for more information on finger cymbals, why not check out my book?  Available on my Etsy store as a printed book or a printable, and via Amazon. 

Categories
General

Studio Updates – May ’26

What’s Up at Studio Davina?

Hello-Hello! As I write this, it’s already mid-June and I’m so deep in the rewrite of “Costuming From the Hip” my world has narrowed.

As I work on the June edition of the “Studio Davina Updates,” I realize that my hobbies have been set aside. Simple things like reading and travelling around the city have given way to long coffee-shop afternoons, with walks around the same places.

Sample Making & Design Demos

When not in coffee shops writing, I spend my time at the work table making a series of samples for my little dress stand, Pinky.  She’s been my “muse” since I got her as a gift in 2003.  The new iteration of “Costuming From the Hip” has a recipe section, a series of tried-and-true costuming formulas.  This is the “all over applique” example using materials left over from past projects.

Above is the example of the “Applique” formula.  In this configuration, the appliques are creating visual lines on the bra. My next move is to sew down the appliques and take photos of this stage.

In the coming months, I look forward to creating a luscious wardrobe for Pinky!

Now, To the sewing studio!

~ Dawn 
June ’26

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
General

The Wawak Catalog

Wawak Sewing Supplies Co. Catalog

The Wawak Catalog was the brainchild of Frank Wawak early in the 20th century. A professional tailor, Frank, wanted to offer supplies to other tailors.  He opened his first store in 1907, serving his neighborhood in Chicago, and later, via a mail-order catalog, to the world.

Since Joann Fabrics closed its doors more than a year ago, I’ve had many requests to share alternative sources.

Many designers are searching for places to pick up all the materials and supplies costumers need to build beautiful handcrafted dancewear.

Wawak carries many of my favorite brands, from cutting tools and pattern-making equipment to small supplies like thimbles, needles, and pins.

Perhaps I’m a little “Old School” and really love having a printed catalog to thumb through.  So I recently requested an updated catalog.  But you can find all of their tools and supplies on their website.

Follow this link, check out their website.  This is not a sponsored advert, just me sharing the source.

Happy Costuming, 
Dawn Devine ~ Davina

PS: The Mini-Magazine is bigger and better than ever!  If you’re looking for more sources for costuming materials and supplies, be sure to sign up for my newsletter.