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A kind of native drum used in the E. Indies and in Western Africa. The tam-tam is of various shapes, but generally it is made of a hollow cylinder formed of fibrous wood, such as palm-tree, or of earthen ware, each end covered with skin. It is beat upon with the fingers, and also with the open hand, and produces a hollow monotonous sound. Public notices, when proclaimed in the bazaar or public parts of Eastern towns, are generally accompanied by the tam-tam. Written also TOM-TOM.