Supporting-Wood Taphon Drum by Luang Por Noppawan Khun Saro, Senanimit Temple.

Supporting-Wood Taphon Drum by Phrakru Phisan Uthaisan (Luang Por Noppawan Khun Saro) Senanimit Temple, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.

The Taphon drum is a sacred musical instrument, intricately carved from a single piece of rare “Dead-standing Siamese Rosewood”. This type of wood is considered one of the most auspicious materials in Thai beliefs. Dead-standing Siamese Rosewood is a mystical item that has natural power itself. Nature created it to be magical, regarded as an excellent material for making amulets. Since ancient times, people have believed that this wood has natural ability to solve negative energy to have only prosperity in life, support the destiny to have only good things and also elevate the social status to be better and higher for the user as same as the name of Siamese Rosewood in Thai language which mean "Supporting Wood".
 

In Thai culture and Buddhist esoteric traditions, it is believed that the sound of the drum has the power to awaken energies, dispel misfortune, and attract good fortune. The drum’s sound is thus regarded as a “Sound Of Power”. Especially in rituals, such as the beating of drums to inaugurate ceremonies, their use in processions, or auspicious events, the drum is more than just a musical instrument. It serves as a symbol of opening the path, making declarations, and driving away evil.
 

Especially when it comes to the “Taphon drum”, it stands apart from ordinary drums. The Taphon drum is used in classical and high-tier traditional Thai music ensembles such as Mahori and Piphat, and is regarded as an instrument of the divine, a drum of the gods or celestial beings. Creating sacred objects in the form of a Taphon drum is therefore seen as an act of inviting heavenly power and celestial blessings, to enhance one’s fortune, elevate destiny, and bring auspiciousness and spiritual prestige to the worshipper.
 

Inside, it is filled with sacred powder prepared according to ancient texts, consisting of sacred powder, herbal powders, and other holy substances carefully selected by Luang Por Noppawan and fully consecrated through his rituals.
 

What sets this Taphon drum apart from ordinary ones is its drumhead, made from tiger skin that has been with him since his early days as a young monk. This tiger skin was inherited from his revered teachers and has undergone countless sacred ceremonies over the years. It is believed to possess inherent spiritual power. According to ancient Thai beliefs, tiger skin from the deep forest is a powerful amulet, enhancing spiritual authority, prestige, and charisma, protecting against black magic, and subduing enemies.