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DAMARU
Type: AVANADDHA VADYA
Damaru is a percussion instrument made of human skull, parchment, cloth, silk, metal, brass, cotton, wood, parchment and bamboo. It is a local instrument, found in Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Bihar and other parts of North India. It is used by the Lamas in ritualistic dance in Ladakh. Moreover, it is used by ‘Kudukuduppai Andi’ of Tamil Nadu and by mendicants, snake charmers, gypsies and jugglers in North India.
DAMARU in Ladakh
Material: Human skull, Parchment, Cloth, Silk, Metal
An hourglass-shaped drum made of a human skull with skin covered faces. A colored cloth, silk strips tied around the drum waist. Also attached are two knotted cords to strike the heads. Used by the Lamas in a ritualistic dance.
DAMARU in Tamil Nadu
Material: Brass, Cotton
An hourglass shaped body made of brass. Faces covered with hide fastened by cotton cords. A knotted cotton cord attached on opposite ends on the bracing cord. Held by one hand, the player makes the knots to strike drum heads. Used by ‘Kudukuduppai Andi’ of Tamil Nadu.
DAMARU in North India
Material: Brass, Cotton
An hourglass-shaped hollow brass shell covered with skin and tied with lacing cotton cords. Two cotton knots attached to strike the heads alternately when manipulated. Used by mendicants, snake charmers, gypsies, and jugglers in their daily professional performances in local fairs in villages.
DAMARU in Gujarat
Material: Wood, Parchment, Bamboo
A wooden hourglass-shaped shell with skin-covered heads braced with a cord through bamboo hoops. Knotted ends strike the heads when shaken. Used by mendicants.
DAMARU in Bihar
Material: Wood, Parchment, Cotton
An hourglass shaped shell of wood with hooped skin cover and knotted cotton cord. Held by the middle and shaken vigorously. Used by mendicants, snake charmers, gypsies and jugglers.
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