The dunung is a double-headed closed cylindrical drum that is struck
with one stick and damped with the finger-tips. It produces a high tone
with a long echo. The dunung drum measures 40 cm in length and has a
diameter of 30 cm.
The dunung accompanies the bagela dance, a circular war dance of the
Sissala.
The dunung drum is also used during the accompaniment of women songs. While the women are clapping an even rhythmical pattern in their hands, one plays syncopated rhythms on the dunung drum. The durung drum appears during circle dances in combination with the tengpenning drums. The tengpenning drummer plays a steady rhythm, while different syncopated patterns are played on the durung drum. Here we can talk about rhythmical counterpoint.
© RMCA/Dominik PHYFFEROEN