Gourd Damasa Drum Geometric Designs from Peru

Damasa drums are a popular percussion instrument used all over the world. To play one, simply hold the stick between your thumb and forefinger and repeatedly twist it back and forth; this will cause the beads attached to the strings to strike the drum and create rhythmic sounds. The faster you twist, the louder the drumming. Now go ahead and make your own music!

This Damasa drum was hand-etched from a gourd and burned with contemporary geometric patterns at Tito Medina's workshop in Huancayo Peru. Gourd carving is a traditional craft of the Andean mountain region and in the Medina family it spans four generations. The art of carving gourds is helping to bring sustainable income to more than 20 artisans and their families.

Gourds are a natural and uniquely shaped vegetable, similar to a pumpkin or a squash. As such, designs and dimensions will vary slightly.

• Small measures 7-1/4” high x 2-1/4” wide x 1-1/4” deep
• Large measures 8-3/4” high x 3” wide x 1-3/4” deep

Handmade, etched, and painted in Peru and fair trade imported.

MEET THE ARTISAN

Tito Medina Artisan Story
Peru

Tito Medina belongs to the fourth generation of gourd carvers; his parents Eulogio Medina and Guillermina Salome, are from Cochas Chicas, Peru which is well known for carving, etching, burning, and transforming gourds into unique works of art. Tito is a master craftsman and is known across the continent for his fine carvings and pyro-engraved gourds, each one telling a unique story. He has been carving gourds since childhood, and opened his first market stall in 1986. Through his work he has promoted the traditional craft of his region and has raised it to the level of a fine art. Over the years he has participated in several art fairs and received numerous awards for his work.