Dhuleta

Dhuleta, in the context of the Garifuna culture of Central America (primarily Belize, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua), refers to a specific type of traditional Garifuna drum. It is one of the two main drums used in Garifuna music, the other being the segunda. The dhuleta is the larger of the two and plays the lead, providing the rhythmic pulse and complex patterns of the music. It is also known as the "male" drum, in contrast to the segunda which is referred to as the "female" drum.

The dhuleta is typically made from a hollowed-out hardwood log, often mahogany, and covered with deerskin or peccary skin. The skin is stretched and secured to the drum using wooden pegs or rope. The sound of the dhuleta is deep and resonant, providing the foundation for the energetic and vibrant rhythms of Garifuna music, which is often associated with dance and spiritual practices. It is a crucial component in genres such as punta and hungu-hungu.