The bangu often simply gu, is a Chinese frame drum

Frame drum

A frame drum is a drum that has a drumhead width greater than its depth. Usually the single drumhead is made of rawhide or man-made materials. Shells are traditionally constructed of bent wood scarf jointed together; plywood and man-made materials are also used. Some frame drums have mechanical...

 that, when struck by one or two small bamboo sticks, creates a sharp dry sound essential to the aesthetics of Chinese opera

Chinese opera

Chinese opera is a popular form of drama and musical theatre in China with roots going back as far as the third century CE...

. Striking the drum in different places produces different sounds. It is also used in many Chinese chamber music

Chamber music

Chamber music is a form of classical music, written for a small group of instruments which traditionally could be accommodated in a palace chamber. Most broadly, it includes any art music that is performed by a small number of performers with one performer to a part...

 ensembles. The percussion section is very important in Chinese Opera, with battle or 'martial' scenes, which are called wu-chang. The bangu player is the director or conductor of the orchestra. He works with the other members of the percussion section to create the right mood for the audience and actors on stage.

Construction

The drum, which is about 25 cm (10 inches) in diameter and 10 cm (4 inches) deep. The frame of the Bangu drum is made of wedges of hard wood glued together to form a circle. Animal skin is then stretched over the frame of wedges, which is then secured by a metal band. The wedges do not reach the small area in the centre (the drum’s heart or "guxin") where the drum is struck. The bangu is held in its own stand with four iron rings.

Some versions have only three rings and three supporting legs. These versions are usually portable, with a collapsible stand section.

More Information

China Expats have a wide reference section concerning the bangu and many other Chinese Musical Instruments

Traditional Chinese musical instruments

-The Eight Sounds or Eight Tones :The eight categories are: silk, bamboo, wood, stone, metal, clay, gourd and hide. There are other instruments which may not fit these classifications. This is one of the first musical classifications ever.-Silk :...

. Whilst giving full details for each listed instrument, the depth is not as great as Wikipedia. However, they do provide ample text along with pictures, audio and video downloads or links, which may be more suitable for casual surfers
http://www.china-expats.com

Picture

The bangu pictured is a highly decorative version, whilst more normal versions can be seen on Paul Noll's website:
China Choices

Video

Short video clips of it being played can be found at Chinese Cinderella:
Movie Zone 6