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Changgo

The changgo is the double-headed hourglass drum of Korea, believed to have been brought to Korea from the West along the Silk Road. The changgo is quite large and has two heads that extend well beyond the rim, the left head is made from cowhide and the right head has a thinner skin made from dog. Both heads are bound together with lacing that crosses between them, which can be adjusted for tuning. The Changgo is used in many styles, from court to shamanistic folk music, but perhaps best know for its use in Samul Nori.


Country: Korea
Region: Asia
Type: percussion
Changgo - Korean hourglass drum
©  R. Raine-Reusch, May 2002