Cowhide: The Drumming Surface, Traditional Drums from Tottori

The surface of the drum is made of cowhide. Cattle have long been a familiar part of the local landscape, as they were commonly used in farming. The superb toughness and resilience of cowhide makes it an indispensable element to a good-sounding drum. Because thickness and quality vary in different areas of the hide, these are selected according to the type of drum being created.