The Caucasian dhol is a cylindrical drum used in the Caucasus region. It is also called դհոլ in Armenian, nağara in Azerbaijani, vota pondar (romanized: vota pondar) in Chechen, doli (romanized: doli) in Georgian, and douli (romanized: douli) in Russian. This drum was traditionally used by warriors in battles. Today, it is played in national folk music.
Construction
The Caucasian dhol is a drum with two sides. The body is made from wood or acrylic plastic, and the top and bottom are made from thin leather or synthetic plastic film. Traditionally, the body is made from walnut wood, and the top and bottom are made from goat skin. The leather or plastic is stretched over a strong iron rod. During tuning, the rod must stay straight and not bend. The rod is designed to be easy to use with hands. Adjustments to the drum are made using hemp or synthetic rope.
Playing
The Caucasian dhol is often used with other instruments such as the Garmon, Zurna, and Clarinet. There are two ways to play it: one using the hands and the other using two wooden sticks. The sticks are typically made from dogwood because strong and heavy wood is preferred.
Regional forms and traditions
In Armenia, the drum is called a Dhol. It is made from thin leather from animals or plastic. The body of the drum is made of wood or a type of plastic. Traditionally, the Armenian Dhol was played using a stick and a club, with each hitting a different side of the drum. Sometimes, people used their bare hands. Today, most people prefer to use their bare hands.
In Chechnya and Ingushetia, the drum is called Fuott or Wuott. It has a wooden body and a sound-producing membrane made from animal leather. It was usually played with bare hands.
In Georgia, the drum is called Dholi or Doli. Most Georgian dhols use thick leather from animals and a wooden body. The drum is almost always played with hands.
In Azerbaijan, the drum is called Nağara. In the northwest of Azerbaijan, it is played with sticks. It is made of wood and has a plastic surface.
In southern Russia, the drum is called Doul. It is very similar to the Armenian Dhol.