Svaram - Water Rattle

This extra large rattle made from diverse natural materials of rainforest pods and dry land seeds, of coconut and bamboo pieces and a variety of sea shells, brings the atmosphere and sounds of these natural habitats into the Sonorium Space. Symbolically pictured as a river-waterfall with its plant-grown banks and the flowing shells this sound source represents the water element in the configuration of the primal sounds of the set up. In contrast to the harmonizingclearly structured and tuned sounds, these ‘chaos’ can open underlying tensions and traumas and complete the chaordic integration of profound healing.

Initiated in 2003 as a grassroots community, rural development project in Tamil Nadu (India),  Svaram has been recognised by the UN Initiative “Music as a Global Resource” as one of its first 50 projects worldwide. The open association and team of over 50 local artisans, trainees, international volunteers and professionals has always retained its emphasis on the human element, its heritage and prospect of evolutionary change and positive progress.

Initially focusing on communication-social-and craft-skill trainings with the practical core of hands on work with different materials like wood, metals, clay, bamboo and seeds/shells for instrument building, extensive explorations and a communal discovery process on the ‘magic of sound’ stimulated the growth of the team in ever unfolding and often surprising directions, creating a natural enthusiasm in everyone involved for the chosen work with the mystery and magic of sound!