Gamelan instrument with flat keys

Title

Year/Period

Late 19th-early 20th centuries

Region

Java

Object Type

metallophones, genders (metallophones), percussion instruments, musical accessories

Material

bronze (metal), wood (plant material)

Technique

metalworking, woodworking, assembling (additive and joining process)

Dimension

Object size: MB-0186 44 x 99 x 24 cm,
Object size: MB-0186-A 44 x 99 x 24 cm,
Object size: MB-0186-B 12 x 2 x 1.5 cm,
Object size: MB-0186-C 16 x 8 cm

Accession No.

XXXX-09510

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

This instrument with flat bronze keys is called a gender. It is one of the softer instruments that are part of the gamelan ensemble. The term 'gamelan' refers to the action ('an') of hammering ('gamel') bronze instruments such as gongs and drums among several other types of intruments with beaters.The bronze instruments play the main melody and are accompanied by softer wind, wood and string instruments. The practice of taking off shoes and not stepping over the instruments is a sign of respect and it is believed that the correct manner of playing results in refinement of one's character. 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.