Myanmar (Burma)

Burmese

Wood, gold gilt, black and red lacquer, silk, cotton, mirrored glass, deer skin
Late 20th century
Height: 33 in w/stand, Length: 31 in, Width: 6.25 in
Chordophones – Harps

The saùng-gauk (arched harp) is the national instrument of Myanmar (officially the Union of Myanmar), and is revered as a sacred power receptacle of elegant beauty. It is played for the courts of the Burmese royalty and rituals are offered periodically to feed the believed Burmese “nats” that dwell within it. [The worship of “nats” (spirits of the trees, rivers, rocks and ancestors) preceded Buddhism in Burma, and is still practiced today, along with Buddhism.] The construction is unique with its boat-shaped resonator, traditionally made of padauk wood. The graceful, curved neck comes from the natural shape of the root (gauk) of the sha tree. Sixteen hand-twisted silk strings (the standardize number of strings in the 1960’s by Alin-ga-kyaw-zwa U Ba Than) are attached with red cotton tuning cords that terminate in large tassels. The harp is decorated with gold gilt, bits of mirrored glass, and red and black lacquered paint. The top of the resonator is covered in deer skin and has four sound holes.

Resource: “Saung-gauk,” Muriel C. Williamson, Gavin Douglas, John Okell, “The Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments,” 2^nd ed., Vol. 4, Laurence Liben, Editor in Chief. Oxford University Press.