long drum of Yao minority group- Hunan Museum
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long drum of Yao minority group
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Dimensions: Length: 216cm; Diameter of Drum Surface: 35—30.5cm

Origin: Collected in 1960


In the shape of two trumpets connected in an end-to-end manner, the drum features a thin and long body, supported by an internal framework, encircled by thin bamboo strips, bound fast by wide and thick bamboo strips, and coated with dark reddish brown lacquer.


This drum, a musical instrument particular to the Yao minority group, comes in three sizes: large, medium and small. Its body originates from a hollowed-out tung tree trunk. The drum is usually used to accompany dancers, and small and middle-sized drums can also serve as a stage prop for dances. When playing the drum it is placed flat or suspended on a specially made rack, and one or tow actors strike the ends with the hand.


Since its body is made of bamboo, the large and long drum, measuring 216 cm in length, is rarely seen.