Candra pirai
This crescent-shaped, stick-beaten frame drum is a symbol of the moon. It is worn on the player's forehead. It is used with the surya pirai, a round, "sun-shaped" frame drum of similar construction, in temples of the goddess Mariamman and other village deities.
Artwork Details
- Title: Candra pirai
- Date: late 19th century
- Geography: Tamil Nadu and Andhra, India
- Culture: Indian (south)
- Medium: Skin, iron
- Dimensions: Diameter: 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm)
- Classification: Membranophone-single-headed / frame drum
- Credit Line: The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
- Object Number: 89.4.214
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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