Cultrun

Cultrun. Museo Azzarini collection.

The cultrun is a percussion instrument used by the Mapuche in Chile.^[1]

Role in Mapuche culture

The cultrun is a ceremonial drum and the most important musical instrument in Mapuche culture. It is used by the machi (healer or sorcerer) for religious and cultural rituals. It is also used during the annual fertility rite of Ngillatun.

It is approximately 35 to 40 cm in diameter and has a height of 12 to 15 cm. The wooden body is made from laurel, beech or lingual, cut in winter to avoid splitting.

It can be played in two different ways, either held in the hand and struck with a drumstick or resting on the floor and played with two sticks.

References