Drummer Playing a Stand Drum

A full-size stand drum (chian-ku) including its elaborate bronze base composed of intertwined dragons, was excavated from the tomb of Marquis I in 1978. This type of drum was the largest used in a traditional late Chou ritual orchestra. The frame of the originals were lacquered wood faced with animal hide. A tall wooden shaft (recreated here) extended through the drum body and was fixed to the center of a heavy, bronze stand. Dressed in ceremonial attire including large boots and an elaborate headdress, the drummer gives a vivid account of an ancient orchestral musician. Bells, chimes, and drums were not ordinarily played by their aristocratic owners, who were otherwise occupied during the rituals and banquets they were conducting. Owners of orchestras employed a staff of professional musicians and workers to set up the bell rack prior to a ceremony. Bell players at the Chou court were hereditary specialists. The ancient text on Chou ritual, (the Chou Li) enumerates twelve masters of bells, four of whom held a rank of "mid-level nobelman," and eight, that of "junior-level nobelman."