200px, ''taphon''
The taphon (, ) is a traditional drum of
Thailand
Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand and historically known as Siam (the official name until 1939), is a country in Southeast Asia on the Mainland Southeast Asia, Indochinese Peninsula. With a population of almost 66 million, it spa ...
. It is
barrel-shaped with two heads, and is played by the hands and fingers of both hands, much like the more popular
congas
The conga, also known as tumbadora, is a tall, narrow, single-headed drum from Cuba. Congas are stave (wood), staved like barrels and classified into three types: quinto (drum), quinto (lead drum, highest), tres dos or tres golpes (middle), an ...
.
Originally called the Sa Phon, the taphon is used in the classical Thai wind-and-percussion ensemble called ''
piphat
A ''piphat'' () is a kind of ensemble in the classical music of Thailand, which features wind and percussion instruments. It is considered the primary form of ensemble for the interpretation of the most sacred and "high-class" compositions of t ...
''. Moreover, it is the most commonly used drum in Thai folk music, and is performed often in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Often used to accompany performances in Thai shrines which are meant to entertain the resident god in offering, it is considered a particularly sacred instrument in the Thai culture, and is generally kept in a higher place than other instruments. In many cases, designs are woven into the middle section of the taphon.
The ''taphon'' is very similar to the Cambodian ''
sampho''.
An example of the taphon being played:
Material and Construction
The taphon is traditionally made from hardwood, such as teak or rosewood. The heads are made from animal skin, typically from cowhide or buffalo hide. The taphon is constructed by hollowing out a log of wood and then attaching the heads. The heads are held in place by ropes or hoops made from rattan or bamboo.
See also
*
Piphat
A ''piphat'' () is a kind of ensemble in the classical music of Thailand, which features wind and percussion instruments. It is considered the primary form of ensemble for the interpretation of the most sacred and "high-class" compositions of t ...
*
Music of Thailand
The music of Thailand includes a wide array of distinct genres, both traditional and modern.
Traditional Thai musical instruments are varied and reflect ancient influence from far afield – including the ''klong thap'' and ''khim'' (Iran, Pers ...
*
Sampho
*
Congas
The conga, also known as tumbadora, is a tall, narrow, single-headed drum from Cuba. Congas are stave (wood), staved like barrels and classified into three types: quinto (drum), quinto (lead drum, highest), tres dos or tres golpes (middle), an ...
References
Hand drums
Thai musical instruments
Sacred musical instruments
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