Japanese Membranophone (Drum): "Taiko"
Collection: Spiritual Connections
Object Category: Music and Noisemakers
Object Type: Musical Instruments, Percussive Instruments
Country: Japan
Continent: Asia
width: 14.5 in;
height: 13 in;
depth: 13 in
This Japanese drum is called a "taiko." Taiko refers to any of various Japanese drums. Evidence suggests that the drums were used first between 250 and 500.
Over the years, taiko have been used for communication, entertainment, religious ceremonies, and kabuki and Noh theater accompaniment. In feudal times, the taiko set the marching pace for troops.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiko