Tibet
early 20th century
Handheld drums are one of the essential implements of a tantric practitioner. They are usually double-sided with two cavities covered by leather. Most often made of wood, they can also be made of two skulls. They always have two beaters, beads, or rolled leather pieces swinging from threads that produce a pelting sound when the drum is rotated back and forth. The drum is held in the right hand and used during tantric practices as an accent or to punctuate recited verses. In communally performed rituals the damaru can be used in concert with horn instruments, large cymbals, and large temple drums. This drum has a long, black, decorative tassel embroidered with the Eight Auspicious Symbols.
An implement used in tantric practices, the two halves of this drum symbolize the union of the two aspects of enlightenment. When paired with a bell, it represents the male aspect of enlightenment, and its drumming is the sound of the bliss of realizing the true nature of reality. Large hand drums are used in the Tibetan practice of “cutting the ego.” Their sound represents impermanence.
Prescribed practices that carry symbolic meaning and value within a specific tradition and are intended to attain a desired outcome. Rituals are usually done as part of a ceremony or regular routine.
A religious movement that originated in India around the fifth to seventh century with sacred writings and esoteric teachings and practices transmitted from teacher to student through initiation. These remain an important part of Hinduism and Buddhism today.
Today, Tibetans primarily inhabit the Tibetan Plateau, situated between the Himalayan mountain range and the Indian subcontinent to the west, Chinese cultural regions to the east, and Mongolian cultural regions to the northeast. During the 7th to 9th century, Tibetan rulers expanded their empire across Central Asia, and established Buddhism as the state religion.
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