Ektara or Gopiyantra The ektara is a one-string tension drum that is played by the Baul people of Bengal and Bangladesh, to accompany religious songs. It is made from a gourd or small round wooden container that is open at both ends. The bottom is covered with an animal skin, which is pierced at the center, through which runs a gut or metal string. The string runs through the center of the container and continues up to attach to a peg head between two long slats of thin wood, which are attached to the side of the container. The term ektara translates directly as one string..It is played by plucking the string, while depressing or releasing the two slats. Country: India, Bangladesh Region: Asia Type: percussion		Ektara
©  R. Raine-Reusch, May 2002