Material: Wooden drum. Embroidered drum set.

Size: Approx. 12 cm

Narrative:

The Tibetan Buddhist hand-cranked drum, commonly known as the **Kabala drum** (Tibetan: Zamaru), is an important ritual instrument and is commonly used in Tantric rituals. This kind of drum is made of various materials, including wood and bone, and is usually used together with ritual instruments such as **vajra bell** and **vajra pestle**.

Origin and symbolic meaning

The history of the Kapal drum can be traced back to the ancient Tibetan Tantric practice tradition. It is said that its sound has the effect of exorcising evil spirits, so it is often used in esoteric exorcism rituals. During the ceremony, the practitioner holds the drum handle and swings it left and right, causing the soft hammers on the drum surface to hit the drum surface and make a sound. This sound is believed to be able to **summon divine power** and symbolizes the praise of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

In addition, the way the kabala drum is made is also quite symbolic. The heads of some kapala drums may be made of special materials, such as human skin or bone, to emphasize the concepts of **impermanence** and **reincarnation**. This design reminds practitioners to cherish life and focus on the wisdom of practice and the path to liberation.

How to use

In Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies or personal practice, the Kabala drum is often used in conjunction with activities such as **chanting** and **ritual dance**. Practitioners shake the drum so that the sound of the drum and the sound of chanting blend together, forming a sacred atmosphere that helps practitioners enter a deeper state of meditation.