This two-stringed instrument is known as a rebab. It is one of the softer instruments that plays elaborate melodies in gamelan music, which are usually heard at the begining and end of a performance. A gamelan ensemble comprises mainly bronze gongs, drums, and various wind and string instruments. 'Gamelan’ refers to the action (‘an’) of hammering (‘gamel’) by striking the bronze instruments with beaters. Beliefs in the spiritual power of gamelan produce great respect for the 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.
