Damaru, two-headed ritual hand drum

Mongolian Collection

Accession Nr.: 81.39.1
Type: musical instruments; religious/ritual equipment
Date of production:
19th century
Place of production:
Materials: leather; textile; wood
Techniques: painted
Dimensions: height: 14.5 cm
diameter: 22 cm
This double-sided drum consists of two wooden hemisheres. It was used at funeral ceremonies. Green leather cover its two side and skull are painting on the wall of the drum. A silken ribbon joins it in the middle on which Cauri shells were sewn. A long, twofold silken ribbon is attached to it showing Buddhist symbols and the twofold Shou (Longevity) symbol. A metal hoop, a small bell and a hook are in the middle.