Burmese Karen Frog Drum

About the Item

A fine large bronze tribute drum (Heger Type III), Pazi (Burmese), pam klo’ (Karen) also known as “The Magical Bronze Pond”(Cooler - Developmental Stage VII, Aerial Sequence, Category C three frogs, p.276)*, the Karen subsiding on slash and burn agriculture were rain dependent, and “rain drums” were beaten to bring on the rains for frogs croak prior to rain and the low frequency drum sounds excite the frogs to croak as well, and thus it was believed that the beating of the drum was a call for rain. This lost wax casting of a drum is ornamented with 12 frogs stacked in threes located at four equidistant points on the outer edge of the tympanum in a counter clockwise direction whereas the bottom frogs straddle the two outer bands. The center of the tympanum is decorated with a crisp 12 pointed relief “star-of-foam”, the star points overlap the first set of triple ridges, resembling ripples that delineate concentrically the 15 die cast decorated bands in a variety of motifs, starting from the center, the designs can be identified as radial rays(bands 1,6,12) tiny raindrops (bands 2, 7, 13), continuous lozenge pattern (bands 3, 8, 14), skyward looking ducks (bands 4, 11), flying birds in flocks of three alternating with sets of three rhomboid lozenges (band 5), a ring of rosettes alternating with rhomboid lozenges (bands 9, 10) and the outer band is undecorated (band 15) ending with one braided edge. The sides of the drum are similarly decorated with sets of triple ridges in 3 zones with 19 die cast bands in between of radial rays, raindrops, continuous lozenge pattern, skyward looking ducks and chains of grain, side double strap braided handles on opposing sides, used to suspend the drum when struck, four relief “seams” equidistant from the placement of the frogs. Under one handle along the seam is a three dimensional procession lead down the side of the drum on a vegetal stalk with curled fronds by a large elephant followed by two smaller elephants, followed by three snail curls.

Dimensions:

Height: 19.5 in (49.53 cm)Diameter: 27 in (68.58 cm)

Style:

Tribal (In the Style Of)

Materials and Techniques:

Bronze,Cast,Metalwork

Place of Origin:

Myanmar

Period:

Late 19th Century

Date of Manufacture:

Late 19th century

Condition:

Wear consistent with age and use. Verdigris greenish bronze patina indicating a high copper content. Evidence of residue relief bosses from the casting rods. Original casting clay residue fused to the crevices of the tympanum. Light die casting generally fine and remarkable overall.

Seller Location:

Point Richmond, CA

Reference Number:

Seller: TM-UH803371stDibs: LU1778236631192

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