Drum is a leading musical instrument used in different festivals by the tribal people of North East India. The festivals sound dull and monotonous without it. The drum is one of the most popular musical instruments. It is used all over the world. Its shape and sizes vary accordingly – some are big, some small. Drum has been used by the tribal people as a symbol of identity and also a strong means of communication for centuries in the region.
Structure of Drums
The drum is a simple musical instrument made of wood and animal skin. It is made from seasoned or dried wood cut at least 2 feet long with a circumference of about 2 and a half feet. Both the ends are made little smaller than the middle portion to give an elliptic shape. A thorough hole is made as big as possible to produce enough musical sound. Both the ends of the drum are covered with skin and stretched tightly. When the skin is dried up, its surface becomes hard. To make it more beautiful and handy, sometimes the cover of the drum is nicely knitted with cane fibre around the body of the drum. A leather belt is tied from right end to left for easier carrying on the shoulders of the drummer.
North East India is a land of rich cultural heritage. The tribal people of the region use different kinds of drums according to their cultural background. For instance: the Garos of Meghalaya use long drums. They are 4-5 feet in length; the circumference is about 2 feet. Some of the Naga tribes also use very long drums.
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