Myanmar (formerly Burma)
Burmese People

Wood, hide, stain/lacquer
Late 19th century
Height: 26.5 in; Diameter: 9.75 in
Membranophones – Struck Membranophones

This Burmese ‘ozi’ is a tall single-headed goblet-shaped pedestal drum.  It is carved from a single piece of teak wood. The ‘ozi’ has a flared base with several stylized rings along the stem-like stand which is painted/lacquered a dark brown color. The skinhead is tied on with long hide strips covering the entire resonator body. There is a thick circular spot made from a mixture of rice paste and charcoal at the center of the drumhead, creating a second pitch.

The ‘ozi’ is typically held diagonally across the player’s body, as it is generally slung over the shoulder with a strape. When played they use both hands, but sometimes they alternate with other parts of the body such as elbows, knees, heels and even the head. Today it is played at festival parades and dances in Myanmar. It is often considered the equivalent of the Cambodian ‘skor chhaiyam’ drum style.