Bhil Artisan Marking and Cutting Teak Wood for Dhak Musical Instrument

15-May-2026

This image from Napla village in Banswara district of Rajasthan shows a Bhil tribe artisan working on the next important stage of Dhak making, where teak wood is being shaped after initial peeling.

Circular markings made with ink can be seen on the wood, guiding the artisan in this traditional craftsmanship process. These lines indicate where and how much the wood needs to be cut to achieve the proper structure, with the central marking defining the slightly narrower middle portion of the instrument.

Using a hand saw, the artisan carefully cuts along these markings to create a uniform rounded shape and remove excess material. This stage of tribal instrument making requires precision, skill, and experience.