Saung
စောင်းကောက်
🌍 Myanmar
Myanmar's national instrument — the last surviving arched harp in all of Asia
Lin says:
Mingalarbar! I'm Lin! The saung is one of the most precious instruments on Earth — Myanmar's national instrument and the only surviving arched harp in all of Asia. Every other ancient Asian harp disappeared from history, but Myanmar's people kept this beautiful instrument alive for over 1,500 years. It has 16 strings made of twisted silk, a curved neck decorated with gold leaf, and a lacquered boat-shaped body. When you hear it, you hear ancient Asia breathing.
Quick Facts
Strings
16 twisted silk strings
Type
Arched harp (only surviving in Asia)
Age
~1,500 years continuously played
Status
National instrument of Myanmar
Discover the Saung
The saung is the ONLY surviving arched harp in Asia — all other Asian harps died out centuries ago. It has been played continuously in Myanmar for at least 1,500 years without interruption, making it one of the world's oldest surviving instruments still in active use.
Instrument Type
String
Known As
စောင်းကောက်
Where It's Played
📷 Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC licence)
For Educators
Music is a universal language! Use this page to spark classroom discussions about culture, history, and how music connects communities around the world.
Did You Know?
U Myint Maung — Myanmar's most famous saung master of the 20th century — devoted his entire life to preserving the instrument's classical repertoire. He taught for decades until his death, ensuring the tradition continued.
The saung body is made from padauk wood (a Burmese tropical hardwood), covered in lacquer and decorated with gold leaf and red paint. Each instrument is a work of visual art as well as music.
Myanmar has about 200 classical saung compositions that form the core repertoire — each has a formal title and designated playing season, as some are traditionally performed only in certain months or festivals.
What Makes the Saung Special?
The Last Asian Harp
While ancient harps existed across India, China, and Southeast Asia, all others disappeared through history. Myanmar's saung survived — protected by royal courts, Buddhist temples, and the deep reverence of Burmese musicians who refused to let it die.
Silk Strings
Saung strings are made from twisted silk — not metal or gut. Silk strings produce a softer, more intimate sound than metal, and they are softer on the fingers. The player tunes 16 strings by tightening or loosening silk windings at the neck.
Royal Court Instrument
The saung was the instrument of the royal Burmese court for centuries — played at ceremonies, royal processions, and for the entertainment of kings. Classical saung compositions describe royal life, Buddhist teachings, and natural beauty.
Keep Exploring the World!
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