Santhals (North-Eastern India)
wood
An unusual instrument designed with a finial above the peg box depicting a standing figure playing a Dhodro banam instrument.
The Santhals are the largest tribal community who live in the Indian states of Bihar, Orissa and West Bengal. Music is an important part of Santhal culture and the Santhal are gifted and passionate dancers and musicians and most of their songs and dances are related to various seasons and phases of life. A variety of sculptural instruments are used by the tribe, the most unique of which are the dhodro banam (hollow instrument).
The Santhal believe they are physically related to the dhodro banam and consider the instrument to be a human being. The dhodro banam is made of a single piece of wood, divided as such into distinct body parts such as the belly flanked with arms, open ribcage and a long neck ending in a head. The head is the key block and is often beautifully carved in the shape of a human head, a couple or whole groups of humans or animals.
The dhodro banam player holds the instrument vertically with its neck pointing upwards and the playing hand above the bow hand. The bow (banam ak) is made with horsehair and the string, and when strung brings life into the instrument through its vibrations.
Size (cms): 70(H) x 13(W) x 13(D)
Size (inches): 27.5(H) x 5(W) x 5(D)
