16" Peruvian Frame Drum P1613

Deep tone. Handcrafted presence.

These Peruvian frame drums carry a full, grounded voice—shaped through handcraft, natural materials, and a close relationship between maker and instrument.

Each drum is unique, both in form and in tone.

Handcrafted by Tatito (Qoya, Peru)

These Peruvian frame drums are handcrafted by Tatito, a drum maker from Qoya—a small village in the Sacred Valley near Cusco, Peru.

Tatito began making drums as a teenager and now brings over 20 years of experience to his craft. What started as a practical path became a lifelong practice, evolving into a unique and deeply personal approach to drum making.

A Drum as a Living Instrument

For Tatito, each drum is more than an instrument.

He approaches the process with intention and care—honoring the materials and the animals whose hides are used. Each drum is made as a continuation of life, transforming natural materials into something that can carry sound, rhythm, and connection.

Handcrafted Materials

• Each drum is largely made by hand:
  
• Frames are built from locally available woods such as pine, pachaco, or similar hardwoods
  
• Goat hides are sourced from small family farms, using materials that would otherwise go unused
  
• The hides are processed by hand, often leaving the fur intact to enhance depth of tone
  

This approach emphasizes sustainability, practicality, and respect for the materials.

Tone & Feel

The sound of these drums is rich and resonant, similar in character to traditional frame drums:

18" drums — deep, full bass with strong resonance

16" drums — balanced tone with both bass and higher overtones, and lighter to hold

Each drum is tightly stretched and well constructed, offering a clear and responsive voice.

Design & Detail

Many drums feature simple geometric patterns, including the Chakana (Andean cross)—a symbol representing the four directions and foundational principles of the universe.

Included Beater

Each drum comes with a handcrafted beater:

• made from warango or quiswar wood
  
• filled with sheep wool to produce a deep, soft bass tone
  

A Personal Craft

Each drum reflects the hand and intention of its maker.

No two are exactly alike—each carrying its own tone, character, and presence.A Relationship with Material

Use in Practice

This drum can be approached simply.

In practice, it may support:

• working with a warm, low-frequency tone
  
• developing steady rhythm with a softer response
  
• holding a natural, handmade instrument over time
  
• allowing variation in tone through touch and placement
  

Each drum reveals itself gradually.

A Natural Response to Environment

As a natural hide drum, its tone will shift with conditions.

Humidity may soften the sound, while dryness may tighten and raise the tone. With simple warming or drying, the voice can be brought back into balance.

Additional Details
Size: approximately 18" × 3" (16" also available)
Goat hide with natural fur
Wooden frame (pine, pachaco, or similar)
Handmade in Peru
Includes soft beater