Bali, Indonesia
Balinese 

Wood, hair
Mid 20th century
Length: 20.5 in; bottom diameter: 3.75 in; slit length: 10 in; beater length: 8.5 in
Idiophones – Struck Idiophones – Slit Drums

The kulkul is a hand carved slit drum from Bali, Indonesia.  The term kulkul can also refer to a pavilion for the larger kulkul slit drum.  These drums are made in various sizes and are used for signaling. This hand carved and colorfully painted kulkul is a smaller version possibly created in the form of “Singha,” a powerful mythological lion found in ancient Hindu stories, and used in temples for the religious rites.  It has 29 teeth that surround the opening of the slit in the drum. The teeth can be raked (scraped) or struck to produce different tones.  A carved wooden stick for playing is tied to the drum with braided hair.