Vol. oe No. 9.) Shan and Palaung Jew’s Harps. 523 
SUNS 
the annexed drawing will show the relationship of these various 
parts and illustrate this explanation. 
e Palaung Jew’s harp is constructed on identical lines 
so that a further description is unnecessary. In most of the 
specimens I have seen, it is of somewhat rougher construction 
and slightly longer and wider, but it always bears the two 
movable bamboo strips, which distinguish these specimens 
from all other forms. 
The Shan and Palaung instruments are of finer workman- 
ship than those which have been described from Assam and 
certain other hill tracts of Burma, but they do not approach 
the Lisu harp in delicacy of construction. There is a remark- 
its use appears to be universal among the Tais. 
This similarity of design and construction also goes far to 
prove that the bamboo Jew’s harp is not regarded as a toy, but 
as a musical instrument with its own recognized place in the 
orchestra of those tribes who use it. 
It is played by both men and women, and is often made 
to break the monotony of a long walk, especially after night- 
fall, being played singly or with other instruments such as the 
flute. It also serves the Shan youth when serenading. I © 
have noticed that the Burmese proper are entirely unacquainted 
with the bamboo harp except in areas where they adjoin hill 
tracts inhabited by wilder tribes. ee 
The accompanying plate (Plate IX) illustrates Lisus playing 
their Jew’s harp and flute, and was taken in Panghsa-pye, Tawng- 
peng State, Northern Shan States, Burma. Five years ago I 
visited Panghsa-pyé, which was then inhabited by Palaungs. 
Dr. and Mrs. Schermann of Munich, to whose kindness I am 
indebted for the photograph, and who lately passed through 
the place, inform me that the Palaungs left the village and 
settled elsewhere as soon as Lisu influence became dominant, 
and that the village is now entirely in the hands of the latter 
tribe. 
