UH80059 Burmese Karen Frog Drum, a fine and large bronze tribute drum (Heger Type III), Pazi (Burmese), pam klo’ (Karen) also known as “The Magical Bronze Pond”, 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 8 frogs stacked in twos and placed at four equidistant points on the tympanum, the center of which is decorated with a 12 pointed relief “star-of-foam”, having 12 butterfly impressions with two rain drops above in the crooks of the star with more raindrop impressions on the outer edge of the star circle encircled by raised triple and double ripples that delineate concentrically the 21 die cast decorated bands in a variety of motifs, these bands starting from the center can be identified as radial rays (bands 1,4,10,16,19), tiny raindrops (bands 2,3,17,18), continuous lozenge (bands 5,9,15), a complex pattern of three fish filled birds alternating with three eyes (bands 6,7,12,13), ducks (bands 8,14), square tiles (band 11), multiple lozenges (band 20) and 12 rosettes on the outer band having a braided edge. The sides of the drum are similarly decorated with sets of triple and double ridges in 3 zones with die cast bands in between of radial rays, raindrops, lozenges, multiple lozenges and vegetation, side double strap handles on opposing sides, used to suspend the drum when struck, two unadorned relief “seams” equidistant from the handles. Variegated verdigris greenish patina. Fine casting with good detail, no evidence of repairs, all surface patina is consistent with age and use, excellent condition.
Measuring: 18-1/2 inches high x 25-1/8 inches in diameter. Weight: 52.5 lbs.
Mid 19th. Century.
A Massachusetts Private Collection
Rains come when frogs croak
Birds come when rains come
Fish rise when birds come
Floods come when fish rise
Elephants draw when floods come
Timber comes when elephants draw
The land prospers when timber comes.