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Thammattama twin kettle-drum construction: cattle hide tensioning and Kaduru wood bodies?

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L
Liam Rhythm•875 rep

What acoustic differences distinguish the treble (Kadippu) and bass drums of the temple Thammattama, and how are curved cane drumsticks shaped?

21

4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

The Thammattama (the ritual twin kettle-drum of Buddhist and Devale ceremonies) consists of two asymmetrical wooden bowls bound together. The bodies are carved from seasoned Jak (Kos) or Kohomba hardwood. The right drum (Handa) features a smaller diameter and a thin, tightly stretched cowhide or goat-skin membrane, producing a sharp, loud treble crack. The left drum (Mandama) is wider and covered in thicker ox-hide without tuning paste, delivering a dull, damp bass beat. Drummers strike both heads simultaneously using two specialized drumsticks (Kadippu) shaped from flexible wild cane (Wewal) bent into circular loops at the striking ends.

37
G
Guru Gunadasa Bera•1750 rep

Cane striking sticks must be heat-curved over oil lamps; bending cold cane fractures natural longitudinal fibers and ruins the flexible striking whip action.

21
L
Liam Rhythm•875 rep

The Thammattama leads the Hevisi drumming ensemble at temple services, establishing fast syncopated beats before the Geta Bera joins the rhythm.

17
G
Guru Gunaya Ves•1890 rep

Leather tensioning cords crossing the underside are tightened with wooden pegs to raise head pitch before morning and evening religious services.

14
P
Piyasena Cadjan•1620 rep

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