Source: http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymbal.htm
The cymbal may be regarded as a very flat bell. It is a tensed membrane with a slight flare in the centre. It is a circular plate that is struck by a stick or hammer (mallet); or two cymbals struck against each other, as in marching bands - called clash cymbals. In more recent times, with the invention of the drum set, two cymbals are mechanically clashed, and called a hi hat - which could also be struck when closed, resulting in a more muffled sound.
The entire body of the cymbal vibrates, causing air to move, which carries the soundwaves.
Bronze cymbal from the 400s BCE, Ancient Greece
Source: http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymbal.htm
Source: http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cymbal.htm
http://www.imit.org.uk/pages/a-to-z-of-musical-instrument.html