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.
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Dhyangro
- Date: early 20th century
- Geography: Nepal
- Culture: Nepalese
- Medium: Wood, hide, fur, metal
- Dimensions: Drum: D. 15.7 x Diam. 37cm (6 3/16 x 14 9/16in.); Stick: L. 22.6 x 2 x 2cm (9 x 3/4 x 3/4in.)
- Classification: Membranophone-single-headed / frame drum
- Credit Line: Purchase, Clara Mertens Bequest, in memory of André Mertens, 2005
- Object Number: 2005.111a, b
- Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
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Nepalese
early to mid-20th century
On loan to The Met
Iranian
ca. 1915
Indian
late 20th Century
Nepalese
mid-20th century
Japanese
20th century
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