Percussions on Hawking Drum

About the Session:

Despite a complex and controversial relationship between music and Islamic teachings, the use of the drum has played a significant role in Islamic history and traditions. A beloved pastime of the elite, falconry evolved from its pre-Islamic Arabian roots to become a symbol of the knights' hunting prowess and as a marker of high social status. 

This session, studying artefacts from India, Persia, and others, will reflect on the use of the Hawking Drum as an opportunity to learn more about its fascinating history and as a unique cultural feature in Islamic tradition.