DAMRU (MONKEY DRUM) This hourglass-shaped little drum is associated with the god Shiva, the Hindu destroyer and progenitor of universes. Played also by bear trainers, snake charmers and fakirs, it is simply swivelled by the wrist, allowing the string knot to alternately strike the 2 heads, while the straps are squeezed to change its pitch. Since the old adage “It’s all in the wrist” applies to nearly every musical instrument there is, the damru is great training to keep those wrists loose and coordinated.
UDAKKA This large version of the damru is nearly identical to the central African talking drums, though it comes from the extreme south of India, and is used for folk music. The left elbow squeezes the loose straps, changing the pitch of the head, which is struck by a curved stick or the fingers of the right hand. Intriguing sound. 20 cm. head
