Gourd Drum - Huancayo

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Description: Engraved mate gourds are an ancestral art form in Huancayo, where pre-Hispanic man fashioned utensils from the abundant natural material. Juan Leon Ponce presents an exquisite handmade tinya, a type of drum with a mate gourd body. Resonant cowhide forms two drumheads, and the drumstick is fashioned of cumala wood. Product item: 84551 Price:  $38.95 Shipping Weight: 0.4 pounds Dimensions:  8.7" Diam. x 3.2" H

Born in Junin on June 24, 1960, Juan León Ponce crafts musical instruments. His art is a family tradition. Ponce remembers helping his father create tinyas – drums – while still a child. Their instruments were played by a number of musical groups in traditional fiestas and celebrations.