Southeast Asia, Burma (Myanmar), ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. An enticing leaded bronze drum known as a "Karen Rain Drum" with dense decorations and rich iconography with zoomorphic forms. The outstanding instrument features a broad, circular tympanum, a gently corseted body with thin walls surrounding the base, and 2 pairs of strap handles flanking the upper shoulder. Several repeating registers of stylized fish, birds, and geometric patterns adorn the top of the tympanum, and intricate linear motifs are displayed across the exterior of the drum body. The drum creates a pleasant sound when the tympanum is lightly tapped and must have been impressive when struck with a mallet. A fantastic example with rich patina! Size: 18.3" Diameter x 13.6" H (46.5 cm x 34.5 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, 1995 to 2010; ex-P. Haig collection, New York, USA; exhibited in 2012 at the Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

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#168939

Slight bending to rim of tympanum, base, and handles, with softening to some decorative motifs, and light encrustations, otherwise intact and excellent. Great patina throughout. Drum makes pleasing sound when tympanum is struck.