Category: Ritual Objects | Tradition: Vajrayana Buddhism and Hinduism | Origin: Nepal, India, and Tibet
A damaru is made from a handful of natural materials, each with its own job. The hourglass body is usually carved from wood, the two heads are made of stretched animal hide, and cords and small beads or knots strike the heads to make the sound. Many damarus are finished with a silk or brocade tail, a cloth cover, brass or silver fittings and decorations such as turquoise and coral. A few specialized ritual drums are made from skull bone, and some modern drums use synthetic materials. The materials change how a damaru looks, feels and sounds, but the drum keeps its meaning: the sound of emptiness and the call to awaken. This guide explains each material, shows how they compare, and helps you choose and care for a damaru with confidence.
The Parts of a Damaru and Their Materials
Every damaru is built from the same basic parts, and each part uses its own material.
• Drum body: the hollow, hourglass-shaped body, usually carved or turned from wood. It supports the heads and helps the sound to resonate.
• Drumheads: two thin skins stretched over the open ends, traditionally animal hide.
• Tensioning cords: leather strips or cotton cord that hold the heads on the body, and synthetic cord on some modern drums.
• Strikers: two short cords with knots, beads or weighted ends that swing out and strike the heads.
• Covering and tail: silk, cotton or brocade, used for a cover or a hanging tail.
• Fittings and decoration: brass, copper or silver bands and handles, and stones such as turquoise and coral.
Wood: The Body of the Drum
The body of most damarus is made from wood. Lightweight hardwoods and other workable local woods are common choices, because they are easy to carve and light enough to be held in one hand for a long time. The wood is carved or turned into two bowl-shaped halves, which are joined at the narrow waist. The thickness of the wood, the depth of the bowls and the finish inside all affect how the drum sounds, so a skilled maker pays close attention to them. The outside may be left plain, polished, carved or painted.
Animal Hide and Synthetic Heads
The two drumheads are traditionally made from animal hide. Goat, sheep and other suitable skins are used, depending on regional practice and what is available, and the hide is stretched tightly over the open ends of the body so that it vibrates when struck. The type and thickness of the skin and how tightly it is stretched change the pitch and the character of the sound. Some modern drums use a synthetic membrane in place of hide. If a drum without animal skin matters to you, it is reasonable to ask the maker or seller what the heads are made of before you buy.
Cords, Leather and Strikers
Several kinds of cord are used in a damaru. Leather strips, cotton cord or synthetic cord hold the heads to the body and keep them under tension, and the way they are laced varies from one design to another. The two striker cords are short cords attached near the waist. Each ends in a knot, a small bead or a weighted tip, which strikes the head when the drum is turned. The weight and length of the strikers change the sound, with heavier beads giving a firmer, louder beat and lighter ones a softer, quicker sound.
Silk, Cotton and Brocade
Cloth plays a big part in how a damaru looks and how it is kept. Many damarus have a silk or brocade tail that hangs from the waist, often in bright colors with woven auspicious patterns. Some drums are covered with fabric over the body, and some have ribbons or tassels. Cotton is also used for the cord and, in many cases, for the protective case in which the damaru is stored. The tail and cover are decorative and optional, while the case helps to keep the drum safe from dust and moisture.
Brass, Copper and Silver Fittings
Some damarus have metal fittings, such as decorative bands around the body, small handles and ornamental caps. Brass is the most common because it is durable and has a warm golden color, copper and silver are used for finer or more richly decorated drums. These fittings are decorative and are not essential parts of the drum. They are usually engraved or embossed with patterns and are sometimes gilded or plated.
Stones and Other Decoration
Elaborately decorated damarus may be set with stones such as turquoise and coral, or with imitation stones and beads. Painted designs, carved patterns and woven cloth are also used. These are decorations and not necessary parts of the drum. If natural stones matter to you, ask the maker or seller whether the stones are natural, treated or imitation, since all three are found in decorative work.
Skull and Bone Damarus
Some specialized ritual damarus in Tibetan Buddhism are traditionally made from two cranial sections joined together. These are connected with particular tantric practices, in the same tradition as the kapala, and they are very different from ordinary wooden damarus. They are not needed for general Buddhist prayer or meditation. Where human remains are involved, ethical sourcing, cultural respect and the law are important considerations. Modern drums that follow the skull form are usually made from wood, resin or other materials made to resemble bone, and these are the forms most people choose for their altars.
Materials at a Glance
This table summarizes the common materials for each part of a damaru. Individual drums vary with the maker, the region and the tradition, so treat it as a general guide.
|
Part |
Common materials |
What it does |
|
Drum body |
Wood, sometimes skull bone or resin |
Supports the heads and resonates the sound |
|
Drumheads |
Goat or sheep hide, or a synthetic membrane |
Vibrate to make the sound |
|
Tensioning |
Leather, cotton or synthetic cord |
Holds the heads under tension |
|
Strikers |
Knotted cord, beads or weighted ends |
Strike the heads when the drum turns |
|
Tail, cover and case |
Silk, cotton or brocade |
Decorates and protects the drum |
|
Fittings |
Brass, copper or silver |
Decorate the body |
|
Decoration |
Turquoise, coral, beads, painted designs |
Adds color and sacred imagery |
How the Materials Affect the Sound and Feel
The materials of a damaru decide how it sounds and feels. A light wooden body is easy to hold and gives a bright, dry sound, while a denser or thicker wood gives a fuller one. Tighter heads give a higher, sharper beat, and looser heads a lower, softer one. Because hide reacts to the air, a drum can sound different on a dry day and on a damp one. The weight of the beads changes the sound as well. Each damaru is made by hand, so each has its own voice, and it is worth asking the maker about the sound if it matters to you.
Does the Material Matter for the Practice?
The meaning of the damaru comes from its form, its sound and the way it is used, not only from the materials. A wooden damaru carries the same symbolism as any other, and for most people a wooden drum is the natural choice for an altar or for daily practice. Views on materials, especially for ritual use and for Chöd, differ between lineages and teachers, so if you plan to use a damaru in practice, it is best to ask your teacher what is appropriate.
How to Choose a Damaru
• For daily practice and altars: choose a small wooden hand damaru with a silk tail and a case.
• For Chöd practice: ask your teacher about the size and the sound that are right for you.
• For a decorated look: choose a damaru with brocade, metal bands or set stones.
• If you prefer no animal hide: ask whether a drum with synthetic heads is available.
Whatever you choose, check the description for the materials, the size and what comes with the drum, such as the tail and the case. If anything is unclear, ask the maker or seller before buying.
Caring for Each Material
In general, keep the damaru in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat, and store it in its case when you are not using it. Each material also has its own needs.
• Hide heads: keep them away from damp, heat and sunlight, which can loosen or tighten them and change the sound. Do not press on them or use water on them.
• Wood: dust it with a soft, dry cloth, and avoid water and cleaning liquids, which can mark or crack it.
• Cords and strikers: check them from time to time and replace them if they fray. Turn the wrist gently, since sudden turns can wear them.
• Silk and brocade: keep them dry and away from strong light, which can fade the colors. Handle the tail gently.
• Metal fittings and stones: wipe gently with a soft cloth, and avoid harsh polish and water around the stones.
Materials We Use
Our damarus are handcrafted and are generally made from wood, with stretched skin heads, cords and striker beads, and each one is shipped with a silk tail and a cotton case. Each drum is shaped, assembled and finished by hand, so small differences between drums are natural, and each has its own sound. Materials, finishes and sizes vary from drum to drum, so each product page lists the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a damaru made of?
Usually a carved wooden body, two heads of stretched animal hide, cords and small beads or knots as strikers. Many have a silk or brocade tail, a cloth cover and brass or silver fittings.
Are all damarus made from human skull?
No. Most damarus are made of wood, and a skull damaru is a specialized ritual instrument linked with particular tantric practices. It is not needed for general Buddhist prayer or meditation. Modern drums that follow the skull form are usually made from wood, resin or other materials.
What are the drumheads made of?
Traditionally, animal hide such as goat or sheep skin. Some modern drums use a synthetic membrane, and it is reasonable to ask the maker what a particular drum uses.
What is the silk tail for?
It is a decorative strip of silk or brocade that hangs from the waist of the drum. It is optional and adds color and sacred patterns.
Why does a damaru come with a case?
The case, usually made of cotton, protects the drum from dust and moisture. It is the simplest way to keep the heads and the cords in good condition.
Which material is best?
It depends on what you want. A wooden damaru with hide heads is the traditional choice, a decorated drum suits an altar, and a drum with synthetic heads suits those who prefer no animal skin. All carry the same meaning.
Explore Our Damarus
Read more: What Is a Damaru? | How Is a Damaru Made?