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Two-headed Drum

Tibetan "Damaru"-picture 2

Tibet, India, or Nepal
Tibetan

Wood / Beads / Brass / String / Cloth / Leather
19th Century

Diameter of drum: 3 inches; Length including ribbons is 42 inches

The Tibetan "Damaru" is a small two-headed pellet drum shaped like an hourglass. It is used by the Tibetan Buddhist Monks in a ritual manner, particularly with the trance "sadhana" of the "Chod". This "damaru" is made of wood, with painted green leather drum heads. The drum is decorated with colorful bead work, brass symbols, cloth ribbons and tassels. Originally, the "damaru" was made out of human skulls. The strikers are typically beads fastened to the ends of leather cords that are attached around the waist of the "damaru". Knots in the leather can also be used as strikers. The player waves the drum with one hand, using a twisting wrist motion, as the strikers beat on the drumhead.

 

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Catalog#: HWMC