Tamak | Tumdah | Santali Music Symbols

Hello Visitors, Johar In this new post I am going to talk about only the two famous and mostly used Santali Musical Instruments Tamak and Tumdah.These two are said to be the symbols of the Santali Music.

Folk dances and songs are a part of the Santali culture. Santals are very fond of dancing and singing. This is the reason Why Santhals have so many festivals. On festivals, Santhals come together and keenly participate in traditional dancing and singing. Santhals have their own musical instruments.

Of all the musical instruments the primary instruments are Tamak and Tumdah. Tamak and Tumdah are used in religious ceremonies, festival, and gatherings. Other musical instruments include Tiriyo (flute), Banam, Cholchuli, Gholi, Jhumka, and Kartal.

Also Read: Santali Musical Instruments

Tamak

The tamak is an inverted dome-shaped drum, slightly pointed towards the base and has a flat and circular surface. The body of the drum is made up of metal and the drum head or the membrane is made up of buffalo skin or cow skin.

The diameter of the drumhead ranges from 14 to 18 inches. The hide or the drumhead is tightly stretched along the periphery of the drum. The whole setup is heavy.

The whole setup makes a big shell or a bass drum. When struck with the drumsticks, the drum makes a loud bass sound. The drum is hung from the player’s neck. The drumsticks are wooden made. The tamak makes the essential instrument of the traditional Santali music.

Tumdah

The tumdah is a tapered cylindrical drum with drumheads on both sides, the left drumhead being larger in diameter and the left one being smaller. The drumhead is made up of cow, buffalo or goat hide. The body of the tumdah is made up of clay.

The strap of tumdah is made from cloth or leather. The drum is suspended around the player’s neck with the help of the strap. Unlike tamak, tumdah is struck with bare hands. Tamak and tumdah are used in combination.

The compelling rhythm created by the beating of the drums attracts villagers from nearby localities and can make anyone dance to the tune. The two primary musical instruments tamak and tumdah play a major role in santal people’s life. Be it a marriage ceremony or festival or any other religious gathering, there cannot be any proceedings without these two.

Article Credit: Santali Blog

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