Dhodro Banam - 01

This wooden, hand-carved musical instrument is from the Santal community who live in the Indian states of Bihar, Orissa and West Bengal. It is a folk fiddle or lute like instrument called a Dhodro Banam. The Dhodro Banam is a type of lute with a partially open body that is covered with skin on the lower part (now missing). This instrument is played with a bow in the manner of a violin, but in a vertical position, which means the carvings at the top of the lovely four figures face the audience.
This instrument measures 4.5 x 4 x 28.5 inches without the stand and 4.5 x 4 x 30.5 inches with the stand.