Madras. First the hair is
scraped from the skin

Then the three layers of skin are
pierced and tied onto the drum

Here we se the top and bottom
skins being positioned

Then they prepare the interlaced
rim and dry them in the baking sun

The tools are simple for
such a complex job

Drums drying out in a
similar way in Pakistan

Then the black powder
dough is prepared

And applied to the head

And rubbed smooth with
a rounded stone

And rubbed!

And rubbed!

Whilst the percussionist waits

Staring out of the door

Whilst similar rubbing

goes on in Pakistan!

Other Mridangams dry outside

Then some fine tuned rubbing

Then the thin straw is inserted

between the heads for that

characteristic buzz

Old straps from drums
lie in the corner

Pete hangs outside

And hang around for a gig

In Pakistan they go off
happily with their drums