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SKOR DAI
Description
The Skor Dai or Skor
Arak is a small drum which is used in the performance of
“Arak” music, wedding music, “Aye Yai” music, and folk
dances.
The Skor Dai used to be
made of clay, but this was found to be material which
was easily broken, so wood then replace the clay.
“Khnor” wood is normally used, which is both light and
tough. The head of the drum is round and flat. The tail
is shaped like the neck of a water jar. Traditionally,
beautiful designs were carved on the top of the
instrument.
The Skor Dai is around
40cm long and the head is 15cm wide. Snake or lizard
skin is used to cover the drum head, as this skin type
is thought to make a good sound. The skin must be wet
before covering the head of the Skor, where it is
tightly fastened with fine cane or cow strings. As the
skin dries, the tension remains tight because of the
strings.
The Skor Dai is played
either on the lap or held under the arm. The thumbs are
used to keep the drum stationary while four fingers or
both hands beat the Skor Dai.
note: click on the
sound link to listen to the sound of the instrument.
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