Many symbols can be found on rain drums. The tympanums (tops) of these drums often feature a star in relief, usually with eight points. These points are often surrounded by a geometric display of other symbols. Sometimes twelve points are shown, as is the case in the image to the left, presumably representing the twelve lunar months of the year.

Frogs and toads are also a common feature. Very often, four equally spaced frogs are positioned along the tympanum’s outer rim. Frogs are so frequently found on rain drums that many people know this bronze art form as the “frog drum.” Other forms of wildlife, including elephants, monkeys, snakes, bulls, snails and birds are also found on rain drums, including the earliest Dongson drums. Drums with abstract geometric patterns have also been unearthed. (Left image; click here for another splendid example!)

Ships, usually sailing counter-clockwise, are another common image.  It is believed that this sailing direction represents the burial rites of some early mainland Asian groups.  These drums sometimes show a naked steersman seated at the ship’s stern.  This is believe to be the King of the Dead, who carried the souls of the deceased across the sky to the next world.  This pattern is consistent with the cultural traditions found in some parts of Indonesia.  The associated drums often have tympanum suns with twelve points and ships with twelve sails.  Some of these drums have been discovered in East Java and have contained human bones and earthly possessions.