gong

Circular metal naga gong, tawak, with predominantly flat tympanum with raised boss at the centre. The sides slope inwards from the outer circumference of the tympanum. The tympanum is decorated with raised metalwork. Surrounding the central boss is a band of scrolling between two plaited bands. Further scrolling and tendril shapes project from this away from the centre. Next come three large naga figures, each with four feet, the feet with three or more usually four toes. The shapes of the bodies of the naga are defined by plaited metal bands, with scales indicated between. On the outer edges of the outlines of the nagas are borders of flame or cloud-like edging. Around the circumference of the tympanum is a band of scrolling with on its inner edge a narrow band of rope-work in metal and edging this a band of trefoil shapes pointing towards the centre of the tympanum. This pattern is echoed at top and bottom of the sides of the gong, while in the middle of the side is a band of square-edged meanders between strips of rope-work, also in raised metal work. Apart from the shapes of the boss and the bodies of the nagas, which have been pressed out from the main body of the gong, all the decoration appears to have been applied. A piece of cord for suspending the gong is threaded through two holes.