Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th century CE. A two-headed drum, known as a damaru (damru), made from two skull caps that are held together by a strip of silver that is folded around their upper portions, its ends folded together to form a handle. This silver strip is in repousse, decorated with repeated motifs of stars and vines, terminating in a silver cap around the end of the handle. Opposite the handle, on the silver strip, are three projecting inlays, two of which remain, both round glass beads, one turquoise colored, the other red. These may be a replacement for actual turquoise and coral (common Tibetan decorative elements). This is pierced through with a brass ring that may be later than the rest of the piece. The leather drum heads are held in place by studded silver skulls, tightly pressed together to form a border around the rim. Two loops are attached to the silver central strip, with strings hanging from them that have small nuts on the ends and provide a nice noise when swung. Size: 5.3" L x 4.75" W x 3" H (13.5 cm x 12.1 cm x 7.6 cm)

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 joined at their apex. Although we cannot see inside without destroying the skin, they are often inscribed with mantras in gold. They are often played with the right hand, accompanied by a bell in the left hand.

Provenance: private Salter collection, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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#125673

Beautiful dark patina on surface, especially on bone. One of the drum heads is ripped. One inlaid stone is missing. Approximately ten of the small silver skulls around the two rims are either missing or have been replaced with non-silver alternatives.