Drum, double-headed, "Shuffle-gourd"

Small conical double-headed drum containing unidentified loose particles - 'Shuffle gourd'. Vellum skins attached with twine. Larger skin inscribed in pencil, 'SHUFFLE GOURD J. BLADES' and in ink, ''TRONGOURDA' FOR B. BRITTEN'S CHURCH PARABLE OPERA 'THE PRODIGAL SON' 1968 SHUFFLING FEET EFFECT, L+ R FOOT' (ARROW DIRECTING TO LOWER DRUMSKIN). In ink on the side, 'J. BLADES'. Sleeve of tape and corrugated cardboard inscribed - ''THE PRODIGAL SON' 'MUTE' REQUESTED BY B.B. FOR P.P. / SHUFFLE-GOURD'. Owned and used by James Blades for 'The Prodigal Son' by Benjamin Britten for use by Peter Pears. See James Blades 'Percussion Instruments and Their History', Oxford University Press, first edition 1970, revised edition 1984, p397.