Dhantal

The dhantal (dandtal) is a long steel rod based percussion instrument (sounding similar to the triangle), which was adapted from the iron "bows" that yoked the oxen that pulled the carts on the estates in Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, other parts of the Caribbean. The original beater (which is called a kartaal) was an actual horseshoe, a shape which is still retained in the dhantal's modern context as a musical instrument. The top of the dhantal may be blunt or tapered to a fine point to allow for greater resonance, and its end is shaped into a circle that rests on the ground, table, or other surface when it is played. It is usually about 3 to 6 long and 3/8" to 1/2" thick. The dhantal is an important instrument in Indo-Caribbean music styles. Such as "Chutney Music, Baithak Gana and Taan Singing". The dhantal player or "dhantalist" sets the "taal" or rhythm for the dholak/tabla player. History The dhantal (also called the dhandataal) is of Indian origin, but most commonly found in the Caribbean. The instrument was brought to the Caribbean by indentured laborers from India. The instrument's name literally means "stick percussion" from danda, "stick," and taal, the act of striking rhythmically. Technique