Mandira
Unknown Artist
19th century
Medium
Brass or bronze
Dimensions
a: D. 8.8 cm., pitch E-b, weight 161 g. b: D. 8.8 cm., pitch E, weight 171 g.
Classification
Idiophone-Concussion
Culture
Indian
Department
Musical Instruments
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments, 1889
Accession Number
89.4.237a, b
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments acquired in 1889 the *Mandira* represents a charming example of 19th-century Indian idiophones. These small, paired cymbals—crafted from brass or bronze, each with a diameter of 8.8 cm—are designed to clash together, producing sharp, resonant tones. Object 'a' weighs 161 grams and yields a pitch of E-b, while 'b' at 171 grams sounds E, showcasing subtle variations that allow for nuanced rhythms. In Indian musical traditions, mandiras (also known as kartals) play a vital role in classical performances, f...