Southeast Asia, Burma (modern day Myanmar), ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fabulous bronze drum known as a "Karen Rain Drum" with an impressive decorative program and rich iconography with zoomorphic forms! The tympanum caps the hollow cylindrical and waisted body with two flanking handles beneath the rim. The tympanum is adorned with engraved concentric circular patterns, birds, fish, and rosettes surrounding a central eight-pointed star, with four frogs positioned equidistantly around the rim. Around the body of the drum are additional intricate engraved decorations and rosettes. When lightly tapped, this drum makes a pleasing sound which must have been impressive when struck with full force. A beautiful example with a with a heavy patina! Size: 22.24" Diameter x 16.25" H (56.5 cm x 41.3 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 typanum facing horizontally outward at a 45 degree angle, and a padded mallet was used to strike the drum. Museum exhibited - Museum Instrument Exhibit.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-P. Haig collection, New York, USA

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#161980

Imperfections from casting. Some softening of details, but most on tympanum are well preserved. Surface pitting and light mineral deposits. Rich patina!