saung gauk

harp

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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The saung gauk is a Burmese arched harp that is rarely found outside of Myanmar. This instrument has ancient origins, with depictions of arched harps dating back to Sumer and Egypt around 3000 BCE. The saung gauk experienced a revival in the 20th century. It is a significant instrument in Myanmar's musical tradition, often used in orchestras for state ceremonies and theatre. The arched harp's neck curves to form a bow shape with its body, and it is plucked with the fingers.12

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arched harp
…survives as the Burmese harp, saung gauk. Modern African harps often have cloth rings on the neck that produce a buzzing tone colour as the strings vibrate against them.
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…survives as the Burmese harp, saung gauk. Modern African harps often have cloth rings on the neck that produce a buzzing tone colour as the strings vibrate against them.
Read More

Southeast Asian arts
Myanmar
The Burmese arched harp (saung gauk) has features that may be traced back to pre-Hittite times and the Egyptian 4th dynasty (c. 2575–c. 2465 bce). Scarcely existent outside of Myanmar, this instrument underwent a renascence in the 20th century. A more popular solo instrument is a wooden xylophone pattala.
Read More
The Burmese arched harp (saung gauk) has features that may be traced back to pre-Hittite times and the Egyptian 4th dynasty (c. 2575–c. 2465 bce). Scarcely existent outside of Myanmar, this instrument underwent a renascence in the 20th century. A more popular solo instrument is a wooden xylophone pattala.
Read More