Stringed Instrument Item Number: 3559/30 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Stringed musical instrument with a cylindrical sound barrel, wide neck and curved head. Three metal strings, tied around rod extending from bottom of sound barrel, connect to three tuning pegs at head. Pink-purple snakeskin covers head of barrel; secured with nails. Base of barrel has a ring of teardrop-shaped holes around central circular hole; two tiered rows of carved triangles decorate edges. Tuning pegs have cylindrical bodies, pointed tips and the bases taper towards a circular base. Pick and bridge top are attached to instrument by a cord. Shoe lace tied between tuning pegs and around rod at the base, to use as a carrying strap.
Purchased in 1999 at the night bazaar in Chiang Mai from an Akha seller; also used by the Lisu.