Exhibited 19th C. Burmese Leaded Bronze Rain Drum

Southeast Asia, Burma (Myanmar), ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A beautiful leaded bronze drum known as a "Karen Rain Drum" with impressive decorative motifs. The sizable instrument presents a circular tympanum, a hollow and gently corseted body, and 2 pairs of handles flanking the upper shoulder. An elaborate motif of petite rosettes, concentric circles, and linear patterns adorn the top of the tympanum, all encircling a central sun; 4 stacks of abstract frog-form lugs are displayed around the rim of the tympanum as well. Additional linear motifs surround the exterior surfaces, and a column of downward-facing elephants along one side of the body. When lightly tapped, this drum makes a pleasing sound which must have been impressive when struck with full force. A beautiful example with a rich patina! Size: 25" Diameter x 20.3" H (63.5 cm x 51.6 cm)

Drums like this example are sometimes referred to as frog drums (as frogs are oftentimes associated with rain) and have been used in Southeast Asian cultural rituals for hundreds of years. In particular, the Karen people of Thailand and Burma (modern day Myanmar) have used such drums in funerary rituals to assist the deceased as they journey to the afterlife and in ceremonies to inspire spirits to bring about rainfall, hence the name Karen Rain Drum. Such bronze drum forms originated with the Bronze Age Dong Son culture of ancient northern Vietnam during the later period of the Hong Bang Dynasty. Today these drums are highly valued by the Karen people of Thailand and Burma (modern day Myanmar). The strap handles would have suspended the drum from a frame or tree limb with the tympanum facing horizontally outward at a 45 degree angle, and a padded mallet was used to strike the drum.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-P. Haig collection, New York, USA; exhibited in 2012 at the Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

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#101444
Condition Report: Repairs and restoration to a few areas around body and base, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Abrasions and light encrustations, with slight bending to handles, tympanum rim, and base, and light softening to some stamped motifs. Great patina throughout. Drum creates a pleasant sound when tympanum is struck.