Myanmar (Burma)
Burmese

Brass
19th century
(Bell) Height: 3 in, Width: 4.5 in
Idiophones – Struck Idiophones – Bells

A Burmese bronze hka-lauk or clonk bell often referred to as ‘water buffalo bell’ from Myanmar.  This hka-lauk comes from the Burmese Mandalay period, during the reign of King Mindon (1860-1885). It was hand-crafted by indigenous Hill Tribe village blacksmiths, cast in home-made lost wax crucibles.  This hka-lauk is decorated on both sides in vine-like design, with looped-handles used for a rope to pass through and attach to the buffalo for wearing.  Inside is the original bronze clapper.