The dhyangro is a style of frame drum very typical for the traditional shamans ('jhakri') of Nepal and India, especially in the Tamang, Magar and Kirati tribe. Sometimes it is also used by Tibetan Buddhist ceremonial musicians.
Most dhyangro drums are double-headed; they can be played on two sides. Often these sides are referred to as a male and female side. A double-headed dhyangro drum consists of a wooden shell frame with (most often) goatskin drumheads that are secured by wooden hoops laced together with leather strips.
With most dhyangro drums, this drum frame has been attached to a very typical wooden handle in the style of a phurba/kila; the three-side ritual dagger, commonly known in diverse spiritual traditions all over Asia. These handles are often made by a specialized master-woodcarver, and then the drum is made on it by the shaman himself.
Over time, with overseas travelling salespeople and collectors, some of these drum handles have found their way into the west as collectibles in itself.
The dhyangro drum handle here in our shop is handcarved with intricate depictions of for example the three faces of Vajrakilaya, Garuda, tridents, a kalasha, naga's and geometric carvings.
This drum handle is an old one already and clearly shows some signs of its age. Please look closely at the pictures to observe the condition of this item. Most noteable are some lengthwise cracks in the wood. For now these cracks seem to be still very stable though. They might have easily been there for decades already.
Total length is approximately 44,5 cm, of which the actual handle-part is 34,5 centimeters (and so 10 centimeters go into the drumhead). Weight is 246 grams.
A great item to craft your own drum (or other ritual attribute) with, or to be placed on your altar 'as is'.
Unique item, only one available.
