Bhil Artisan Fitting Goat Skin Mounted Bamboo Rings on Both Sides of Dhak

15-May-2026

This image from Napla village in Banswara district of Rajasthan shows a Bhil tribe artisan working on an important stage of making the traditional musical instrument Dhak. In this step, the artisan is carefully fitting goat skin, already mounted on circular bamboo rings, onto both sides of the wooden body of the instrument.

This stage is crucial to ensure that the structure of the instrument remains symmetrical and stable.

The natural flexibility of goat skin plays a key role in this process. Its pliable nature allows the artisan to easily shape and adjust it over the wooden surface. This flexibility also helps in producing clear and resonant sound when the Dhak is played.

This scene reflects the Bhil community’s deep-rooted traditional craftsmanship, precision, and understanding of musical instrument making, preserved and passed down through generations.