

Mrdangam, 20th century
India
Wood, leather, tuning paste
India
Wood, leather, tuning paste
L. 27 1/2 in. (70 cm), Diam. 10 in. (25.5 cm)
Gift of Herbert J. Harris, 1986 (1986.467.18)
The mrdangam is a conical barrel-shaped drum with the larger head approximately one and a half times the size of the smaller head. The drum is typically tuned to the tonic of the music, with the larger head tuned an octave lower than the smaller head. The mrdangam is primarily found in South India, where it serves as a rhythmic accompaniment in Karnatak music.







