India, Bangladesh, Bengal

Indian

Wood, metal string, deer skin, metal tacks
Late 20th century
Height: 18.5 in
Chordophones – Lutes -Spike Lute Drone

The ektar (ek – one:  tar – string, also called gopiyantra in east India/Bengal and Bangladesh) is a one string (monochord) instrument that can be plucked or drummed and is used in South Asia.  It originated among the wandering bards and minstrels from India and is considered a drone lute.  There are two forms of an ektar, one as a drone lute and the other as a drum-like version seen here.

This ektar consists of a wooden bowl covered on the bottom with deer skin tacked around the rim.  Two bamboo lathes are attached on opposite sides of the bowl and are bent to meet at the top where a wooden peg is inserted. One metal string goes through the center of the skinhead within the bottom of the bowl and attaches on the outside bottom.  The string is then extended through the bowl and is attached at the top around the peg.  The ektar (gopiyantra) is played by plucking the string or by tapping the drumhead.  The bending of pitch is achieved by squeezing and releasing the bamboo lathes.