Tambura, Decorated with scenes from the Ramayana epic, India, early 20th century WA506703

Music is an integral, if minor part of the art of Indian puppetry. There is singing and the most common instruments are drums, cymbals, harmoniums and dance bells. A bamboo vibrator can be used to produce a high reed-like one. This sound becomes the voice of the puppets. It is a 'divine' voice, the puppeteers wife translates the puppets' dialogue out of this special 'language' into that of the audience.

	Detail, Tambura WA506703

The distinctive deep humming sound of the tambura would have accompanied traditional puppet performances. This sound is an essential part of classical Indian music and the tambura is played continuously through the entire performance.

In performance, the tambura players generally sit behind the main artist so that they can constantly hear the drone. The tambura is cradled upright in the performers lap. Its long neck rests against the players shoulder, its hollow bowl vibrates against the body to amplify the sound.