Instrument

The bronze drum (klo oh tra oh) is one of the most important symbols of Karen culture and is regarded as an indicator of the wealth and importance of the owner.

Similar drums have been found scattered throughout China, Mongolia and other regions of South-east Asia including the the Khmer kingdom. The drums have been classified into five categories one of which is the Karen drum.

The drum consists of cylindrical body with the head of the drum slightly larger. The head is fashioned with a variety of concentric circles which surrounds a central star. Around the edge of the head, situated at intervals, are four or six frogs, often with either one or two sitting on each others backs.

The drum is carried by two small handles on either side of the drum. The drums vary in size with the head ranging from 18 inches to about thirty.

No one is sure of the origin of these drums but some traditions believe that the drums were thought to be obtained from a tribe of headhunters called the 'K'wa' or 'Swa' whose exact whereabouts where unknown, but are now believed to be references to the Wa who inhabit Shan state bordering China.

Others believe however that the drums were actually obtained from the 'Yu' people who inhabitated Yunnan. This certainly makes more sense in reference to Karen traditions which sees the Karens settling in Yunnan before migrating into Burma. That said the Wa may also have obtained the drums from the Yu due there close proximity.

One Karen Tradition tells of a S'gaw man, Pu Maw Taw, who whilst tending to his field saw a flock of wild monkeys heading towards him, fearful for his life he pretended to be dead. The monkeys on seeing this sent several of their number back to get drum for the funeral ceremony.

The monkey brought three drums, one silver, one gold, and one white. During the service Pu Maw Taw sat up causing the monkey to flee and in the process causing the white drum to fall into the water.

The man took the drums back to the people and they became their most sacred possessions. Every year a ceremony was held in the drums known as, Gaw Hta Ku' and 'Gaw Kwe Se', honour.

However two Pwo Karen men ', unhappy about having to travel so far to see the drums, stole them and hid them in a cave. The S'gaw who still had the sticks and striker whould go to the Pwos every year to ask for the drums return, but were constantly refused. It is said that the the two criminals descendants in Donyin are cursed to suffer from bad eyesight becuase of the theft.