Instruments at the Museum

Tamak

The tamak is a stick-struck double-headed drum; the body of the drum is made from metal and shaped like a large bowl. The head of the drum is usually cowhide and 14-18 inches in diameter. The player strikes the drum with a pair of drum sticks. The Santal believe that the tamak has special religious powers and it is often used for religious ceremonies and festivals. The instrument is also popular in Alwar, Bharatpur, Mathura,Vrindavan,and parts of present day Haryana.