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 (like also this example) 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 goatskin drumheads that are secured by wooden hoops laced together with leather strips.
Inside the drum are often a few small items added, that rattle when the drum is struck. Often these are sacred seeds such as rudraksha or bodhi or small coins.
Most dhyangro drums have a typical wooden handle in the style of a phurba/kila; the three-side ritual dagger, commonly known in diverse spiritual traditions all over Asia. The phurba-shaped handle from this drum here in our shop is handcarved with depictions of the three-sided face of Vajrakila, some shrivatsa (endless knot) variations and snakes and the watermonster Makara on the three-sided blade.
A dhyangro is played by holding the handle of the drum in the left hand, with the frame of the drum level with the face, and striking the outer head with the stick in the right hand. The typical drum beater for a dhyangro is called a 'gajo'; a piece of cane wood, curved in a (single or multiple) S-shape. The sound produced by a dhyangro drum played with a gajo is really different than that of other (shamanic) frame drums; the sound is quite sharp and short (and can be very loud).
This drum is an antique one. It has been used for decades by traditional Nepalese shamans and is therefore much more than just a nice decorational object. It should be treated with the utmost care, respect and friendship.
Due to its age and previous usage, of course some damages and imperfections can be seen, so please look closely at the pictures to observe the condition of this item. But overall it is still in very good condition and, most important of course; it is still in a very good playable condition. This drum is ready to be used in ritual and ceremony again by its next partner.
This drum has a diameter of 36 centimeters and including the handle the total length is appoximately 67 centimeters. This drum comes together with a traditional gajo drum stick.
