Myanmar (Burma)
Burmese

Brass
Early 20th century
Size of largest: Width: 5.75 in; Height: 4 in:
Size of smallest: Width: 3 in; Height: 2 in
Idiophones – Struck Idiophones – Gongs

A set of two thick sand-cast brass kyeezees or gong of triangular form with two flat sides and a horizontal drill hole near the top for suspension. Resembling the silhouette of a robed Buddha sitting cross-legged in meditation, or the roof of a pagoda.  The musical instrument is vertically symmetrical with a slightly rounded bottom, curled up corners, protruding decorative tabs forming tiers, and a rounded cap. Often used for meditation, it is played by striking one corner so that the plate spins producing a piercing bell-like tone and a warbling/throbbing effect as it spins, called phase shifting.  These are sometimes called Burmese bells.