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Arts & Communication Tech revitalization of Yakshagana artifacts

related research, the fundamental and second harmonic with fabric, mirrors, beads, and shiny foils. Significant
frequencies of a bamboo angklung were analyzed. time and effort are involved in the production of such
Specifically, the estimated frequencies of each rattle tube ornaments. Meanwhile, skilled craftsmen who produce
were compared with the pitch from the respective tube. 13 these ornaments face challenges such as the availability
In his handbook on materials for percussion of raw materials, maintenance requirements, material
instruments, Voichita Bucur described the properties wastage, inconsistency in shape or aesthetics, lead times,
of such materials for the timpani, marimba, xylophone, and inventory. All of these factors increase the costs of
vibraphone, gong, cymbal, triangle, celesta, and castanets. these ornaments.
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This resource mainly focused on percussion instruments A previous case study on Yakshagana costumes
used in symphony orchestras, considering centuries of focused on the technical research of bhujakeerthi
musical art and history. This resource also fills the void (shoulder ornaments), while the issues of inconsistency,
in the technical literature by detailing the qualities of the cost, weight, lead time, etc., were addressed with the
materials. However, information on the instruments used help of engineering design, analysis, and manufacturing
in folk arts, such as Yakshagana, is unavailable. techniques. Specifically, the beads of bhujakeerthi, which
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A related review highlighted the evolution of musical were originally made from wood (Gmelina arborea),
instrument manufacturing toward innovative materials were manufactured using additive manufacturing. In this
such as composite materials, 3D-printed materials, and case, the weight of each bead was reduced using a hollow
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metamaterials. These alternatives were developed as a design, while the wall thickness of the modified bead
response to challenges such as scarcity of quality tone woods was optimized through finite element simulations. After
and environmental concerns. Materials, such as carbon comparison, feasible material was selected, based on the
fiber, graphite fiber, and ceramic polymers, offer advantages strength and stiffness of parts with different 3D printing
in durability, weight reduction, and customizable acoustics. materials. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential
Meanwhile, 3D printing technology enables precise for technological applications in the costume designs of art
engineering of instrument components and unprecedented forms such as Yakshagana.
customization. As for metamaterials, they provide unique Conventionally, a Yakshagana performance spans from
structural designs for tailored vibrational characteristics, dusk to dawn. In many instances, thousands of spectators
promising novel possibilities in sound production. Overall, attend such performances (Figure 2). On average,
this exploration of advanced materials and technologies in commercial Yakshagana performances, comprising
musical instruments set the stage for future innovations 25 full-fledged professional troupes and 200 amateur
in instrument design and performance, especially in art troops, generate a turnover of INR60 million (approx.
forms such as Yakshagana. USD 720,000) through approximately 5,000 shows a year.
In another study, the utilization of carbon fiber in Professional troupes go on tour from November to May,
musical instrument construction was examined, with presenting 160 – 180 performances in different locations
focus on a carbon fiber cello that underwent sound quality of the state. Several teams occasionally perform outside the
assessment through Chladni experiments and Fourier state or even abroad. Overall, there are about a thousand
analysis. In this case, a criterion for musical sound based professional artists, with many more amateurs in this
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on Fourier analysis was developed, establishing the efficacy art genre. Numerous groups of Yakshagana artists and
of carbon fiber as a revolutionary material for musical
instrument manufacturing. The significance of this research
stemmed from its technological innovation, promotion of
environmental sustainability through alternative materials,
and contribution to the connection of technology and art
in instrument design.

As for Yakshagana, costumes, ornaments, and makeup
are important components because they depict characters
and bring focus to artists’ expressions. The majority
of the costumes and ornaments used today are hand-
woven fabrics and wooden items. Common wooden
ornaments are headdresses (crowns or head gears), chest
ornaments, ear ornaments, armlets, necklaces, and belts.
These ornaments are hand-carved and then decorated Figure 2. Immense audience at a Yakshagana performance

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2024) 3 doi: 10.36922/ac.3052