The Goan Gumott
of Mando and song - the drum, made out of clay,
and topped with goat's skin.
Line & Cross-hatch drawing by Tony Fernandes
Goan traditional mandos, dulpods and folksongs are often sung to the percussion beat of the 'Gumott' (Ghumat) and also to the accompaniment of the violin, guitar or harmonica at weddings, São João Festival, impromptu sing-songs after Litany and other occasions.
The 'Gumott' in local dialect is made from red clay by Goan potters with openings on the two opposite sides, one large and the other small in diameter, with the middle portion bulging outwards. On the larger opening, the edge is conveniently moulded for the stretched fitting of goat skin. The opening at the other side acts like a resonating acoustic amplification port-hole. A cord is used around both openings to sling it over the shoulder or neck to carry or play the instrument. The skin is kept taut by gently holding the instrument over flames or red-hot coal prior to a singing session!
The 'Gumott' in local dialect is made from red clay by Goan potters with openings on the two opposite sides, one large and the other small in diameter, with the middle portion bulging outwards. On the larger opening, the edge is conveniently moulded for the stretched fitting of goat skin. The opening at the other side acts like a resonating acoustic amplification port-hole. A cord is used around both openings to sling it over the shoulder or neck to carry or play the instrument. The skin is kept taut by gently holding the instrument over flames or red-hot coal prior to a singing session!
