Maddalam

Maddalam is a percussion instrument from Kerala made of jack wood. It is made out of leather thereby producing various, unique tones on each side of the head. The Maddalam is a heavy instrument which is hung around the waist of the person playing, and the player plays the instrument in a standing position. It is a vital instrument in traditional Kerala percussion ensembles like Panchavadyam, Keli and Kathakali.