- Hornbostel-Sachs
- 211.311.12
- Family
- Percussion
- Origin
- Arctic North America — Inuit territories
- Materials
- driftwoodboneseal intestinewillow
About
The large frame drum of the Inuit peoples — made from a thin ring of driftwood, bone, or willow, with a membrane of seal intestine, bladder, or dried stomach stretched across one side. Unlike most frame drums, the qilaut is struck on the wooden frame rather than the membrane itself, producing a resonant, booming sound. The performer holds the drum in one hand and strikes it with a short stick while dancing and singing, rotating the drum to vary the rhythm. Drum dances are community events held to celebrate hunting success, welcome visitors, and resolve conflicts.