Khañjari

mid-20th century

Not on view

This Nepalese frame drum is made of iguana skin stretched across a carved wooden shell. Large examples, like this, are often used in the accompaniment of dances known as chudka and kauda, which are performed by members of the Magar, Gurung, and other indigenous communities in Mid-Western Nepal during social activities. Smaller khaijadi drums are used by members of other ethnic groups, like Brahmin and Chhetri, in devotional music known as bhajan. In other parts of Nepal, India, and Pakistan, frame drums (such as the khanjari, kanjira, and damphu) are also used in devotional music traditions. The names of these drums are often interchanged, although they are used in many different musical traditions.

Technical description: Wood frame with iguana skin head attached with radial wood pegs; sides and base of drum carved with vine, X-shapes and facets.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Title: Khañjari
Date: mid-20th century
Geography: Lake Pokhara, West, Nepal
Culture: Nepalese
Medium: Wood, iguana
Dimensions: D. 3 7/16 × Diam. 8 11/16 in. (8.8 × 22.1 cm)
Classification: Membranophone-single-headed / frame drum
Credit Line: Purchase, Josephine L. Berger-Nadler Gift, 2006
Object Number: 2006.493
Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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