Antique Islamic Turkish Ottoman Bronze Hawking Drum Nakare
$1,000.00
Or Best OfferAntique early 19th century or earlier Islamic Turkish Ottoman bronze hawking drum known as Nakare. A squat domed form body with square lug finial pierced with a hole for suspension rope, engraved with decorative concentric bands. It is also engraved with an Arabic script that runs around the outer half of the drum, “Syed Mahmoud, Son of Syed Lesa” and the Hijri date 1232 (circa 1816 AD).
It is possible that the inscription was engraved for the new owner, and the drum is much older.
The 16 protruding spikes to which the drum membrane leather was attached radiate equidistant from the rim of the base.
Such drums were designed to be held in one hand while the other hand gently tapped them to call a hunting hawk that was in flight.
This style of drums was used not only by falconers but also by Ottoman military bands.
Falconry was a popular pastime in the Middle East, Turkey, Persia, and Mughal India. Many Islamic Mughal, Ottoman, and Persian miniatures depict Islamic falconers, with small hawking drums attached to the side of their horse.
MEASUREMENTS:
Diameter:15.2 cm (6 inches)
Height: 10.2 cm (4 inches)
Weight: 816 grams.
CONDITION: It shows age and use, with a lovely green and dark brown patina without any repairs or restoration.
