Gamelan gongs with stand

Title

Year/Period

c. 1960's

Region

Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia

Object Type

gamelan instruments, musical accessories, kempul, gongs

Material

wood (plant material), bronze (metal), rope

Technique

woodworking, metalworking, carving (processes)

Dimension

Object size: 001: L218.0 x W45.0 x H164.0 cm,
Object size: 002: H18.0 x Dia 58.0 cm,
Object size: 003: H21.0 x Dia 58.0 cm,
Object size: 004: H20.0 x Dia 58.0 cm,
Object size: 005: H18.0 x Dia 50.0 cm,
Object size: 006: H23.0 x Dia 80.0 cm

Accession No.

2000-08145

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

These four small gongs and one large gong on a stand are known as the kempul and gong siyem. The term 'gamelan' refers to the action ('an') of hammering ('gamel') bronze instruments such as gongs and drums among several other types of instruments with beaters. The bronze instruments play the main melody and are accompanied by softer wind, wood and string instruments. Today, gamelan music remains an important part of court and village life in Java. Many sets are kept as royal heirlooms (pusaka) and are played at important ceremonies.