Damaha
Damāhā
In western Nepal, where the pañcai bājā is fundamentally a drumming tradition, the use of 36 damāhā is common. A long strap hanging from the player’s neck positions the drum in front of the player who strikes it with angled or straight sticks depending on local tradition. Played with one, or in ritual contexts, with two sticks, the damāhā serves as a bass drum for the ensemble. The thick head must remain wet, both inside and out for the proper sound. Because the maker’s feet touch the drum during its manufacture (an insult to the deity for whom it is played) an apology pūjā of invocations and offerings must be performed to appease the deity. Collected in Salyān, Rāptī district, Nepal.
In western Nepal, where the pañcai bājā is fundamentally a drumming tradition, the use of 36 damāhā is common. A long strap hanging from the player’s neck positions the drum in front of the player who strikes it with angled or straight sticks depending on local tradition. Played with one, or in ritual contexts, with two sticks, the damāhā serves as a bass drum for the ensemble. The thick head must remain wet, both inside and out for the proper sound. Because the maker’s feet touch the drum during its manufacture (an insult to the deity for whom it is played) an apology pūjā of invocations and offerings must be performed to appease the deity. Collected in Salyān, Rāptī district, Nepal.
Artwork Details
- Title: Damaha
- Date: 19th century
- Geography: Salyan District, Rapti Zone, Nepal
- Culture: Nepalese
- Medium: Copper, hide
- Dimensions: Diam. 30.5 cm (12 in.); D. 24.9 cm (9-13/16 in.)
- Classification: Membranophone-single-headed / kettle drum
- Credit Line: Gift of Krishna Man Manandhar, 1986
- Object Number: 1986.352.2
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Nepalese
early to mid-20th century
Nepalese
19th century
Nepalese
early 20th century
Indian
late 20th Century
Kodenji Hayashi
ca. 1873
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.