Thursday, November 15, 2007

Do You Know: Gongs


By Anna Vivienne

A gong is one of a wide variety of metal percussion instruments. The term is Malay-Javanese in origin but widespread throughout Asia. The instrument itself appears to have origins in the bronze drums of China, cymbals of central Asia, and perhaps even in European bell-casting techniques.

Gongs are broadly of three types. Suspended gongs are more or less flat, circular disks of metal suspended vertically by means of a cord passed through holes near to the top rim. Bossed gongs have a raised centre boss and are often suspended and played horizontally. Bowl gongs are bowl-shaped, and rest on cushions. Gongs are made mainly from bronze or brass but there are many other alloys in use.

Suspended gongs are played with beaters and are of two main types: flat faced discs either with or without a turned edge, and gongs with a raised centre boss. In general, the larger the gong, the larger and softer the beater.

In Sabah, Gongs are mostly made at Sumangkap in Kudat. Most of the villagers there are knowledgeable in gong making.

They sell gongs according to demand. Usually, one set of gongs comprise of seven gongs varying sizes from 16 ins in diameter to two feet in diameter. They make different sounds and when beaten in a rhythm that are danced to by the people.

There are different sounds depicting the different ceremony where gongs are utilised. The sombre sound where only three gongs are used is usually made in funerals while the seven gongs with a skin drum thrown in are for weddings and joyous events.

Gongs especially the canang is usually used as dowry.

A man who wishes to marry must have a canang with him, pending which he will have to give money in its stead.

It is also a depiction of wealth; the more gongs a man has, the wealthier he is.

In the olden days, gongs are also used as collateral for debts.

Courtesy of: New Sabah Times 'In' Sites - Sabah Travel and Leisure Guide

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