Dhyangro

This is a single-headed drum from west Nepal. It was used in shamanic traditions traditions ranging from therapeutic ceremonies to those intended to shape weather patterns.


Technical description: A cylindrical bent wood body having circumferential ridge internally; single hide secured by cane hoop and fiber collar, tensioned by X-pattern lacing intertwined with rattan bands, lacing enters holes in the circumference of the open end of the body where it is laced internally; body is reinforced internally by two crossed, fur-covered wooden struts; small metal objects hang from chains on one side and additionally metal links (suspension chain?); It is accompanied by a rectangular shaped beater (gajo) with carved handle tapering so that one surface flattens, handle depicting Janus head at upper end, a series of 6 "shields" aligned horizontally at the four cardinal points, and below appear a face on the front, a trident on the right side, and an unidentified (lingam?) on the left, the beater section with incising and three aligned triangles at tip.