Hammered Dulcimer Filling the Gathering Hall

A huge hammered dulcimer lies in the middle of a tiled hall, its blue top painted with flowers and leaves and crossed by rows of silver strings. Rows of tuning pegs line the left and top edges, and two wooden mallets with green heads rest across the strings. The sides carry orange and cream swirl carving. Small people sit and work on it: a gardener tends a fan palm and bellflowers, others tighten strings, and a visitor sits on the edge by a ladder. Around the instrument, benches hold listeners, a food cart and a snack stand sell treats, and four dancers circle on a mosaic floor. Wooden galleries with railings, lanterns and staircases frame the hall. The wide tiled floor and the bench rows make clear zones for the eye to follow.