Karen Free-Reed Elephant Horn 2
Description:
Traditionally, every Karen man had his own kwae, a side-blown horn with a reed inserted at the center of its inner arch. While commonly made from buffalo horn, Karen instrument-makers also fashion kwae from other materials, in many sizes, which indicate not only the preference of its owner, but also his special status—kwae from untreated or lacquered wood, measuring twenty centimeters to one meter long; kwae from the horns of mountain goat, deer, or white buffalo; and kwae from elephant tusks or great hornbill casques.
The embouchure of the kwae is fitted with a slender, vibrating reed made of cane or metal, which is attached by a sticky resin-based beeswax that comes from kheetung nee, stingless bees that live in hollow trees in the jungles of Southeast Asia. Interestingly, the reed opening of Karen kwae in Thailand points towards the small end of the horn, while the reed opening of kwae in Myanmar points to the large sound hole at the other end.
Resonant birdsong-like tones are created when a musician inhales and exhales air through the reed, while alternately closing and opening the horn’s large end with his hand and the small end with his thumb, allowing him to vary pitch, timbre, and expression. Craftsman often affix a wooden block with beeswax inside the kwae’s flare, covering half its opening, to further enhance the horn’s tone, making it louder, higher, and distinctive.
Note: Dating back to the late 19th century, this beautiful ivory kwae displays the sheen and surface of an instrument that has been well-played and well-loved over generations. Called ga chau kwae (“elephant kwae” in the Karen language), this long tusk comes from a male elephant aged sixty- to seventy-years-old.
Function:
The Karen hold the kwae free-reed horn in high regard, for they believe it is imbued with a sacred spirit. Kwae, played solely by men, serve numerous roles—calling villagers to harvest, frightening wild animals and malign spirits, heralding the full moon, courting, and celebrating. Whether welcoming guests, announcing the arrival of the groom’s entourage to the bride’s village, or entertaining at the Karen New Year Festival in the fourth lunar cycle, kwae horns soar above the percussion instruments of Karen der drums, mong gongs, and chua cymbals.
Recording:
Marking the full moon, Kwae free-reed horns (Karen S’gaw)
Thayae and brothers, Ban La Tha, Chiang Mai Province, October 2008
Ethnic Group: Karen
Local Name: Kwae
Type: Free-Reed Horn
Class: Aerophone
Tuning:
Age: Late 19th c.
Materials: Elephant Ivory tusk, brass, beeswax
Dimensions: 31 x 4 dia. cm / 12.25″ x 1.6″ dia.
Location: Myanmar / Thailand
Owner / Instrument Maker:
Catalog Number: 6205
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