Mask of Vaikuntha Vishnu, late 5th century. Learn more about 5th century masks
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A South Asian percussion instrument, it is a two-headed drum with a wooden body and two differently sized faces. The larger face is covered with buffalo skin while the smaller is covered in goat skin. The body is also laced with cotton rope with steel rings or pegs to manipulate the tension while playing. During a performance, it can be held on the performer’s lap or played while standing up or pressed down with one knee while seated on the floor. It is popular in Indian folk music and other forms of Indian diasporic music.