Dhantal

The dhantal (dandtal) is a long steel rod based percussion instrument (sounding similar to the triangle), which was adapted from the iron "bows" which yoked the oxen that pulled the carts on the estates in Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, other parts of the Caribbean.

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.

The dhantal is an important instrument in Indo-Caribbean music styles, such as Chutney, Baithak Gana and Taan Singing.

[2] The dhantal (also called the dhandataal) is of Indian origin, but most commonly found in the Caribbean.

[4] The dhantal's timbre is sharply metallic and provides a clearly defined taal (beat or pulse) to help the ensemble stay in rhythmic sync.