Esther and Vashti Drum

Buddhist skull drum, mixed media
Phototransfers, construction
Beaded clackers by Dorothy Ross

This is a response to an invitation by Mayan, The Jewish Women's Movement in New York, to "make a joyful sound" when the names of Vashi or Esther are read in the megillah.

Since Purim, like Mardi Gras, temporarily turns the normal social order on its head, I felt enti-tled to give women the opportunity to bash some domineering male heads. The skull drum is so called because in times past actual skulls back to back were used as the resonating chamber.

A miniaturized, but complete, Scroll of Esther, is attached to the handle along with ribbons and bells. And everything is held in a deceptively innocent-looking floral tote.

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