The art of crafting a “kaloe”—a traditional bamboo guitar made by ethnic Kayah—is disappearing and the instrument is now mainly sold as a souvenir item at makers’ homes in Kayah villages in Loikaw and Demoso townships.
Khu Mee Reh, a 70-year-old ethnic Kayah, also known as Karenni, is one of the last kaloe makers.
The Irrawaddy team documented his work at his home in Tanelale village in Demoso Township.