Japan
Japanese

Keyaki wood, cow hide, metal 
19th century
Height: 11.5in Diameter: 7.5 in
Membranophones – Struck Membranophones

A 19^th century traditional taiko drum from Japan.  In Japan, the term taiko (-daiko in compound forms) refers to any kind of drum.  This small barrel-shaped drum made from Keyaki wood, with two tacked on cow hides is played with two sticks. Another type of Japanese taiko drum are those with laced-on drum heads. The taiko was possibly introduced to Japan through Korea and China as early as the 6^th century C.E.  This particular drum is a nagado daiko, the name of barrel-shaped taiko drums tightened by tacks.  They were originally used in temples (also called miya-daiko, or ‘temple drum’).  There are two ornate brass tacks and loops on the side of the drum, with script written on the sides of the hide and grained wood.  The function of these drums has varied throughout history, ranging from communication, military action, theatrical accompaniment, and religious ceremony to both festival and concert performances. In modern times, the  taiko has also played an important role in social movements both within and outside Japan.