Japan
Japanese

Elmwood, metal, hide
Early 20th century
Diameter: 48 in, Depth: 29 in
Membranophones – Struck Membranophones

Odaiko, translated literally from Japanese means ‘Big Drum.’  This odaiko is a barrel-shaped drum finished in red lacquer, a hue which represents strength, with large brass tacks to secure the hides on both sides of the drum.  On the wooden barrel-shaped frame, large metal rings are attached for handling the drum as they usually rest on a wooden stand for performance, or in a wagon for processions.  One person usually plays the drum with wooden sticks/mallets, however, both sides of the drumheads can be played, as well as the rim by additional  performers.  These large drums are played in Buddhist Zen temples, where it may be called a hokku, at theater orchestras and at festivals, such as the bon (ancestral festival).  The term odaiko refers to any drum larger than 84cm (33 inches) in diameter.  The diameter of this drum is 48 inches.