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70
HI KMAH.
soum or harp, made of light wood, hollowed and var-
somewhat like a canoe with a deck : at
nished, in shape
the extremity, a piece of hard wood is neatly fastened,
which tapers to the end, and rising, curves over the
body of the harp ; from this curvature, the strings,
usually made of wire, are extended to a hridge on the
belly of the instrument. There are two sounding,
holes, one on each side of the bridge. It varies from
two to five feet in length. The turr resembles our violin,
but has only three strings ; it is played on with a bow.
The pullaway is a common flageolet. The kye-zoup is
a collection of cymbals suspended in a bamboo frame,
producing modulated gradations of sounds : they vary in
size and number. The patola, or guitar, is a curious
instrument, exactly resembling a crocodile in miniature :
the body is hollow, with sounding-holes on the back ;
three strings of wire extend from the shoulder to the
tail, and are supported on bridges at each extremity.
The strings are tuned by means of pegs in the tail,
to which they are fastened ; it is played on by the
finger, and accompanies the voice. The loundaw is a
collection of drums, oblong in form and varying in
size, which are suspended perpendicularly, in a wooden
frame, by leathern thongs. The whole machine is
about five feet in diameter and four feet high. They
accompany full bands, and are used in processions, being
carried by two men, while the performer shuffles
along between them, playing as he goes. The heem is
the pipe of Pan, of reeds neatly joined together, with
a mouth-piece : it produces a very plaintive melody.*
passing the finest bells in power and sweetness, and the vibration is
prolonged to an astonishing degree. Plates of this description are
worn by the priests, suspended to the neck, and arc used as bells.
* Dr. Buchanan purchased a whole set of these musical instru-
ments for 54 tecttls (between five and six guineas).