Hun-tayaw
This instrument was donated in 1911 by C.E. Pitman. A provenance of Myeik (Mergui), Burma was noted and it can be dated to late 19th Century. Due to the date and size of the instrument it is suggested that this instrument is actually the older bowed Burmese fiddle known as a ‘tayaw’ that has now completely disappeared from Burma rather than being a violin, which the Burmese have since adopted. As yet, no other comparisons have been found, however the descriptions in current literature (see Sadie 2001:572) and the date of donation would indicate that the piece is a ‘tayaw’.
The instrument is made of wood, with the underside being lacquered in a black gloss, and the edge decorated in gold leaf. The handle and bridge surface have been lacquered or coated in red pigment and decorated with gold leaf. A bird has been ornately carved into the wood at the head of the fiddle. A small bow accompanies the instrument however the strings are of poor condition.
The instrument is made of wood, with the underside being lacquered in a black gloss, and the edge decorated in gold leaf. The handle and bridge surface have been lacquered or coated in red pigment and decorated with gold leaf. A bird has been ornately carved into the wood at the head of the fiddle. A small bow accompanies the instrument however the strings are of poor condition.
Object Summary
- Accession Loan No.
- 289/1911
- Category
- Ethnography
- Collection Class
- Musical instruments
- Collection Area Region
- SE
- Material
- ivorypigment
- Common Name
- hun-tayaw
- Simple Name
- musical instrument
- Production Town
- Myeik (Mergui)
- Production Country
- Myanmar
- Production Date
- 1885
