Iu Mien Cymbals (Hand)

Made of bronze or brass, the Iu Mien cymbals, chao jae, are composed of a matching pair of slightly concave round plates that, when crashed together, create a shimmery metallic reverberation that emits a series of high-frequency overtones. It is for this reason that Iu Mien cymbals and gongs are primarily performed in outdoor settings, as they are able to carry long distances, calling deities, spirits, and ancestors in the supernatural world to attend sacred rites.

The Iu Mien perform on a range of sizes of chao jae, from large cymbals held in each hand, to small finger cymbals played in one or both hands.  Large chao jae come in two common forms. Wide-rimmed cymbals, marked with a small central boss, are usually held horizontally and crashed vertically.  Narrow-rimmed chao jae with a large central boss (as seen in this pair) are customarily held vertically and clashed horizontally.

Iu Mien cymbals, chao jae, play a pivotal role during major sacred and secular rites when played in combination with other instruments—the dzoe drum, bo mang gong, and dzat double-reed woodwind.

The principal celebration of the Iu Mien year, held on the sixteenth day of the tenth lunar cycle, marks the anniversary of the birth of P’an Hung, the founding father of the twelve Iu Mien clans. The multi-day event unfolds in a series of collective offerings, sacred rites, feasting, and dancing, all animated by the steady rhythms of dzoe, bo mang, and chao jae percussion as they accompany the Iu Mien double-reed woodwind, dzat.

This band of male musicians plays a prominent role during weddings. The penetrating tunes and improvisations of the dzat soar above the driving, synchronized pulse of drum, gong, and cymbals to accompany every phase of Iu Mien major marriage rites—to assemble relatives; accompany the high priest’s ritual activities; welcome guests; inspire the traditional tray dance; and lead the bride and her entourage from her village to the groom’s.

A troupe of musicians on the dzoe drum, bo mang gong, chao jae cymbals, and dzat woodwind also accompanies the hierachy of priests and deities during sacred rites, as heard at funerals and initiation ceremonies inducting acolytes into the mysteries of Yao Daoism.  These musicians are beautifully portrayed in Yao ceremonial paintings, collectively called Mien Fang.

Recording
Wedding Music, played on a dzat shawm and percussion (bo lor gong; chao jae cymbals, and dzoe drum) (Iu Mien)

Nai Sheng, dzat, and male percussion ensemble, Ban Nam Thin, Phayao Province, Thailand, March 2007

Ethnic Group: Iu Mien

Local Name: Chao jae

Type: Cymbals (Hand)

Class: Concussion Idiophone

Tuning:

Age: Circa 1970

Materials: Bronze, cotton, wood

Dimensions: 9 x 23 dia. cm / 3.5″ x 9″ dia.

Location:

Owner / Instrument Maker:

Catalog Number: 5934