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Hand-held Drum (Damaru)
OriginTibet
Dateearly 20th century
Dimensions3 3/4 × 4 × 3 in.
MediumWood, silk, leather, and beads
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art, Gift of Robert and Lois Bayils
Object numberSC2019.3.6
DescriptionHandheld drums are one of the essential implements of a tantric practitioner. They are usually double-sided with two cavities covered by leather. Most often made of wood, they can also be made of two skulls. They always have two beaters, beads, or rolled leather pieces swinging from threads that produce a pelting sound when the drum is rotated back and forth. The drum is held in the right hand and used during tantric practices as an accent or to punctuate recited verses. In communally performed rituals the damaru can be used in concert with horn instruments, large cymbals, and large temple drums. This drum has a long, black, decorative tassel embroidered with the Eight Auspicious Symbols.There are no works to discover for this record.