Rare large 18th Century Tibetan Buddhist Tantrik Chod Damaru Ritual Drum

This is an extremely rare large 18th century Tibetan Tantrik Chod Damaru Ritual Drum.  

The Damaru is a two-headed ritual hand drum, mostly prevalent in Tibetan Buddhism and Hindu culture, and is used in prayers and ceremonies.  It has a mythological association with lord Shiva and is considered to be a power drum that emanates spiritual energy when played.

This wonderful antique Damaru has the typical hour-glass shape and is constructed from arcacia, the sacred wood of the Sendeng tree. The duel bowls are covered with python snakeskin.

It is played by holding the attached waist cloth or tail and twisting the wrist to activate a striker on each side. 

The condition of this drum is near perfect, with no obvious damage.  The python snakeskin on both sides is taunt and perfectly intact.  Each skin features a painted bull’s-eye in black, red, and yellow.  Both strikers and the multicolored cloth tail (handle) are intact but grubby from long use.  It has an aged patina and colour acquired over time.

Authentic antique Chod Damaru are extremely rare nowadays, especially in this fantastic condition and size (most have diameters around 5 inches).

A fabulous drum and a truly rare find!