- Hornbostel-Sachs
- 211.311
- Family
- Percussion
- Origin
- Northeastern Woodlands, North America
- Materials
- woodclayrawhidewater
About
The distinctive drum of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) nations — a small wooden or clay vessel, typically 8 to 12 inches tall, partially filled with water. A thin wet deerskin or groundhog hide is stretched across the top and held in place with a wooden hoop. The combination of water and damp skin produces a deep, resonant sound unlike any other drum. The pitch can be altered by tilting the drum to change the amount of water in contact with the membrane. Played with a crooked wooden beater alongside the horn rattle in social dance music.