Name: Bhapang > Chongar > Apang > Tumba.
Type: Plucked Monochord Percussion.
Region: Several > India > South Asia.
Date of Acquisition: 2011.07.30 Saturday.
Source of Acquisition: 2011 Vancouver Folk Festival, Nomadic Caravan (band).
Description:
The Bhapang is a plucked monochord percussion instrument. One of the
many instruments given the title as “talking drum”. It is found in
Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Punjab where it is known by its
regional names. Chongar in Maharashtra, Apang in Gujarat and Tumba in
the Punjab. The Bhapang originally comes from the Mewati community in
the Alwar district. When bhapang is played the musician grasps a wooden
handle that is attached to a string. The same string is attached to the
membrane. During performance the drum emits a oscillating tone that
gives the instrument its particular voice. It is one of the instruments
used to accompany vocals during the performances of Bhajans “spiritual
devotional songs”. The construction of this instrument is quite simple
it is made from a gourd where a hole is carved. A membrane of animal
skin is attached with tacks to hold the instrument together. A string
is attached from handle to membrane. Five small metal bells are
attached to the handle. These instruments are made either plane
or with ornamentation as viewed on my specimen.
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