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 folded around their upper portions, its ends folded together to form a handle and secured with a silver terminal. This silver strip is in repousse, with raised borders, and studded with seven projecting inlays of pale orange coral. These have been drilled into and silver inserted, so there is a silver dot visible in the center of each. Two of them have hooks instead of silver; each has a dangling cord with a sewn hard ball at the end of it that makes a pleasing drumming sound when the instrument is twisted and they hit the skin surface. Between two of the coral inlays are long gilded bronze beads. The skin drum surfaces are both dyed bright green. Hanging from the silver handle is an embroidered cloth that hangs down in wide strips with tassels attached up and down its length. Size: 5" L x 5.8" W x 3.55" H (12.7 cm x 14.7 cm x 9 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; many are inscribed with mantras in gold. They are often played with the right hand, accompanied by a bell in the left hand.

Provenance: private Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA collection

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#125675

Excellent aged patina on all surfaces. Green cord at the top of the cloth handle and the ring used to attach it may be newer than the rest of the item.