Central Asia, Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A two-headed drum, known as a damaru (damru), made from wood covered in stretched python snake skin and a thick strap sewn together from pieces of cotton and silk and decorated with a cowrie shell, brass pendant, and ungulate bone ornament. The damaru drum is used in both Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism, and in the former it is used in tantric practices as just one of the sacred implements that form their rituals. Traditionally these items are made from a male and a female skull cap joined at their apex. They are often played with the right hand- the dried resin beater pellets attached to cords at the center would hit either skin face as the drum was shaken. Size: 3" Diameter x 2.25" H (7.6 cm x 5.7 cm)

Provenance: private Hawaii collection, acquired 2000 to 2010

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#178667

Fraying and tears to the silk / cotton strap with discoloration and staining. Drum has wear commensurate with age and use, and some chips to the beater pellets. Snake skin is taunt and drum functions / emits sound.