A RITUAL DRUM (Damaru) Tibet, circa 19th century Carved and painted wood with a painted leather tympanum, and silk attachments 21.8cm diam The Tibetan double sided hand-drum (damaru) originates from an early Saivite prototype, appearing as an essential attribute of the Hindu god. In Tibetan Buddhism the damaru is an important component of several Buddhist rituals. It is also an attribute of many Buddhist deities.