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ALAT MUZIK GABBANG
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Introduction and history
Gabbang is a traditional musical instrument that is part of the heritage of the Suluk and Bajau ethnic communities in Sabah, which mostly live in the Semporna, Lahad Datu, and Sandakan districts. This musical instrument belongs to the Xylophone category and is made of bamboo equipped with a trapezoidal resonator box called 'Papagan' as a sound box to produce melodious resonance. Gabbang has 14 to 20 bamboo blades cut and arranged according to lengths that are not parallel because each one produces a certain tone. Then, the bamboo is arranged on the resonator box with a seven-tone scale (heptatonic) in almost equal intervals. Its size is approximately 20 centimeters long, 51 centimeters wide and 37 centimeters high. The Gabbang percussion instrument is known as 'Palu'an', made of wood and covered with rubber on the part that strikes the bamboo.
Gabbang plays an important role as an entertainment musical instrument in the Suluk ethnic community, especially on the night of weddings and cultural events. It accompanies traditional song and dance performances that are presented as a form of respect to guests and to enliven the atmosphere. It also functions as an accompanying musical instrument in ‘Sindil’, which is a form of traditional singing and is often accompanied by a violin to produce a harmonious rhythm. Among the songs that Gabbang usually accompanies are ‘Sumpingku Sumping’, ‘Sakayanku Sakayan’ and ‘Kailu’. Apart from being entertainment, Gabbang has symbolic value that reflects the Suluk cultural identity. It symbolizes a rich cultural heritage and functions as a medium for the Suluk community to convey stories, traditions, and emotions through music.
Meanwhile, for the Bajau community, Gabbang plays an important role as a traditional musical instrument that accompanies traditional medical ritual ceremonies. It is believed that the melody of the Gabbang can summon the spirits of ancestors. In the context of the legends or myths of the Bajau Laut community, Gabbang is mentioned as the main musical instrument that accompanies the 'Kalang' or the chanting of poetry by Arung Salamiah, which is a human legend related to Pulau Bohe' Dulang and Pulau Pantau-Pantau.
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Gabbang is made of four main ingredients:
1. Bamboo: Sliced according to thickness into 14 to 20 pieces with varying lengths.
2. Wood: Wood is used to make the ‘Papagan’ (trapezoid-shaped resonator box) as a bamboo base decorated with carved floral motifs. Besides that, this wood is also carved to produce two Gabbang knockers known as Palu’an.
3. Small Nails: These are used to separate pieces of bamboo so that each piece produces a different tone.
4. Rubber: Rubber is used as a base for both Palu'an to ensure the bamboo is tapped.
Gabbang is played by hitting pieces of bamboo using Palu'an, where players use different tones to produce melodies. Playing Gabbang requires certain skills and expertise, as each piece of bamboo has a different tone, and the tone of the tap also depends on the thickness of the Palu'an rubber.
1. Striking Technique: Players will strike the bamboo pieces in the order of musical notes. Striking is done in the middle of the bamboo pieces to produce a clear sound. Players need to control the strength of the strike—the harder the strike, the louder the sound produced.
2. Using Both Hands: Most Gabbang players use both hands to hold the Palu’an. This technique allows them to play melody and harmony at the same time.
3. Rhythm and Tempo Patterns: Players need to master the rhythm and tempo patterns in the songs they are playing. Each note must be struck at the right time, according to the time set in any performance.
4. Pitch Change: Gabbang has pieces arranged in a sequence of pitches that can be played sequentially to form a melody. Players can change the pitch by hitting longer (for low pitches) or shorter (for high pitches) pieces according to the melodic order in the song.
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Reference Source
Gabbang. (n.d.). https://www.kipas.nl/Instruments/Gabbang.htm
Kee Sabariah Kee Mohd Yussof. (2012). Suluk. Dalam Kntayya Mariappan & Paul Porodong (Eds). Murut & Pelbagai Etnik Kecil Lain di Sabah. Institut Terjemahan Buku Malaysia.
Santaella, M. A. (2022). Popular Music in East and Southeast Asia. Sunway University Press.
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Puan Nurshahrinna Syahrial
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Sabah
Kompleks JKKN Sabah,
Jalan Tasik off KM4 Jalan Penampang,
88200 Kota Kinabalu
SABAH
088-205070
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