Mary Allen
Introduction: The Art of Tabla Making
Tabla is a classical percussion instrument that is widely used in Indian music. It consists of two drums, the smaller one called the dayan and the larger one called the bayan. The drums are made of wood and have a skin membrane stretched over their tops. The art of tabla making is a complex process that involves selecting the right type of wood and skin, and tuning the drums to produce the right sound.
Animal Skins for Tabla: A Brief History
The use of animal skins in percussion instruments dates back to ancient times. In India, the tradition of using animal skins for tabla making can be traced back to the Mughal era, around the 16th century. Different types of animal skins were used depending on the availability and quality. Over time, cowhide became the most popular choice for tabla makers due to its durability and sound quality. Today, other types of skin are also used in tabla making, depending on the size and pitch of the drum, as well as the desired sound quality.
Importance of Skin Quality in Tabla
The quality of the skin used in tabla making is critical to the sound produced by the instrument. The skin must be thick enough to withstand the tension of the tuning ropes but also thin enough to produce a clear and resonant sound. The skin must also be uniform in texture and free of blemishes or scars, which can affect the sound quality. The quality of the skin is determined by factors such as the age of the animal, the part of the body from which the skin was taken, and the method of preservation.
Cowhide: The Most Common Skin for Tabla
Cowhide is the most common skin used in tabla making. The skin is obtained from the back or the belly of the cow, and it is processed using a traditional method called bheharai, which involves soaking the skin in a mixture of lime and water. Cowhide is preferred for tabla making because of its strength, durability, and sound quality. It produces a clear, bright sound with a good sustain, and it is suitable for both the dayan and bayan drums.
Buffalo Skin: An Alternative to Cowhide
Buffalo skin is an alternative to cowhide for tabla making. It is thicker and heavier than cowhide and is preferred for larger tabla drums. Buffalo skin produces a deeper, more resonant sound than cowhide, with a longer sustain. However, it is not as bright or clear as cowhide, and it is less durable.
Goat Skin: Used in Small Tabla
Goat skin is used in smaller tabla drums, such as the duggi or the khol. It is thinner and softer than cowhide or buffalo skin, and it produces a more muted sound. Goat skin is preferred for smaller tabla drums because of its flexibility and responsiveness, which make it easier to play complex rhythms.
Camel Skin: A Rare and Expensive Option
Camel skin is a rare and expensive option for tabla making. It is thicker and heavier than cowhide and produces a deep, rich sound with a long sustain. Camel skin is preferred for larger tabla drums because of its durability and sound quality. However, it is difficult to find and expensive to purchase, which makes it a rare option.
Sheep Skin: Used in Folk Music
Sheep skin is used in folk music for smaller tabla drums. It is thinner and softer than goat skin and produces a muted sound. Sheep skin is preferred for folk music because of its affordability and availability.
Monitor Lizard Skin: A Unique Choice
Monitor lizard skin is a unique choice for tabla making. It is thicker than cowhide and produces a deep, resonant sound with a long sustain. Monitor lizard skin is preferred for larger tabla drums because of its durability and sound quality. However, it is a controversial option because monitor lizards are endangered species.
Crocodile Skin: A Controversial Option
Crocodile skin is a controversial option for tabla making. It is thick and heavy, and it produces a deep, rich sound with a long sustain. Crocodile skin is preferred for larger tabla drums because of its durability and sound quality. However, it is a controversial option because crocodiles are endangered species.
Snake Skin: A Taboo Material
Snake skin is a taboo material for tabla making. In addition to being illegal in many countries, it is considered taboo in Indian culture due to its association with evil spirits.
Conclusion: The Future of Tabla Skins
The use of animal skins in tabla making is a tradition that dates back centuries. While cowhide remains the most common skin used in tabla making, other types of skin are also used depending on the size and pitch of the drum, as well as the desired sound quality. As the demand for animal-friendly products increases, tabla makers are exploring alternative materials such as synthetic skins and recycled materials. However, the use of animal skins in tabla making is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, as it is an integral part of the instrument’s tradition and sound.