Asian Bronze Drums (Rain Drums)

From around the 4th century BC, bronze drums were produced throughout Asia. The drums were similar in shape and decoration throughout the region. Typically these drums look like round tables on columnar pedestals. The flat heads of these drums are decorated with a star in the center surrounded by concentric circles. Usually figurines of two frogs, one atop the other, can be seen on the rims of the drums. The drums are suspended from rings on their sides and struck with suspended logs. One of the largest of these drums is still in use in a shrine in Pejeng, Bali. Called the "Moon of Pejeng," it is over one meter in diameter and two meters in length. More on bronze drums Home

Thai example of early bronze drum

"Moon of Pejeng" as it stands in Bali today

"Moon of Pejeng" artistic representation showing damage to base

Example of frog figurines found on the rims of bronze drums in Asia.

Example of star and concentric circles of drums

Cambodian bronze drum from 2nd century BC.

Cambodian bronze drum from 4th century BC.