Damaru, two-headed ritual hand drum

Mongolian Collection

Accession Nr.: 2001.11.1
Type: religious or cult object; musical instruments
Date of production:
early 2th century
Place of production:
Materials: leather; silk; wood
Dimensions: height: 9 cm
diameter: 9.6 cm
length: 42 cm
The damaru was originally a double-sided percussion instrument made of human skull and covered with leather, which was used in funeral ceremonies. This drum is made of two hemispherical pieces of dark brown wood with a green dyed leather cover. In the middle of the drum body, there are metal overlays with a vajra pattern. Its double silk ribbon is decorated with metallic thread embroidery depicting floral motifs, pearls and tassels.