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How do rattle drums make sound?
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percussion instrument
Flemish rommelpot friction drum; in the Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels.
Rattle drums are a type of membranophone that produce sound through the vibration of their membranes, which are set in motion in one of two ways:12
- Internal Pellets: Some rattle drums contain loose objects within their cavities that strike the drumheads when the instrument is twirled by its handle.12
- External Strikers: Other versions feature attached cords or thongs with knotted ends that strike the drumheads as the instrument is manipulated.12
These instruments have a long history, dating back to the Shang dynasty in China, and are found across various regions, including South Asia, Tibet, and Japan. While they have served as significant ritual instruments—often associated with deities such as Shiva—in some cultures, they have also evolved into toys.1