111.142 Cymbals

Pair of cymbals, protection cloth and bag.

The iḷatāḷam cymbals are held both horizontally, with the lower instrument the left hand, and vertically. The cymbals keep the beat (tālam) in various ensembles playing for dance and for Hindu ritual music in Kerala. In the pancavadyam temple ensemble, the ilatālam fulfil this vital role while the music increases in tempo. As the music speeds up, the number of beats in the cycle decreases, beginning with 1,792 and decreasing to 3½. The iḷatāḷam serve to makes this beat audible whilst the drums in the ensemble: timila, maddalam, and idakka, improvise in turn.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
2001.176
Date
February 2001
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
2001.176.1: over-all diameter: 5.98 in; 152 mm; 2001.176.2: over-all diameter: 6.10 in; 155mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
copper alloy
CATEGORY
Musical Instruments
LOCATION
In storage
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Collection Information

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