Nepal
Shamans of the Sunuwar, Limbu, and Tamang peoples

Wood, goat hide, seeds, cane
Mid 20th century
Length: 23 in; Diameter: 13 in; Depth: 5 in
Membranophones – Struck Membranophones

This dhyangro is a double-headed frame drum used by the shamans (jhakri) of the Sunuwar, Limbu, and Tamang people of the Himalayan region of Nepal.  It consists of a wooden shell frame with goatskin drumheads that are secured by wooden hoops laced together with leather strips.  Inside are rudrakshaya seeds that rattle when the drum is struck.

The carved handle is called a phurba or kila, and is considered the most potent of wrathful ritual implements in Vajrayana Buddhism.    The tantric use of the phurba encompasses the curing of disease and healing; exorcism that includes killing destructive ghosts or demons; meditation and visualizations of the deity; consecration and empowerment; and the purification and consecration of land/buildings.

The three sections of the phurba represent the upper world, the middle world (earth); and the underworld.  It also highlights the numerological importance and spiritual energy of the integers of 3 and 9.  At the top (pommel or hilt) of the phurba is a depiction of three faces of the dharmapala, the guardians of the laws of Buddhism. These three faces embody peacefulness, joyfulness, and wrathfulness (ferocious in destroying negative energy).  At the center (handle) of the phurba is a weaving or knotwork design, symbolic of the vajra or dorje, also known as a thunderbolt scepter. At the end is the blade,  a three-sided, elongated triangle used for the destruction of demonic powers.  This blade also displays an entwined serpent that serves as a protective deity associated with Buddha.  

In another region of Nepal, the Chepang people use a different drum that has the same name.  It is a single-headed frame drum with symbolic metal decorations attached to the frame and is also found in this collection.

Resource: Tamang Shaman Drum Nepal (drummuseum.com);  ‘Dhyangro,” Mireille Helffer/Gert-Matthias Wegner, Simonne Bailey, ‘The Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments,’ 2nd ed., Vol 2. Lawrence Libin, Editor in Chief. Oxford University. https://omeka-s.grinnell.edu/s/MusicalInstruments/item/1519