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ALAT MUZIK KULINTANGAN
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Introduction and history
Kulintangan is a traditional musical instrument deeply rooted in the culture of ethnic communities in the state of Sabah because this musical instrument is inherited by almost every ethnic group. It consists of small gongs arranged horizontally on a wooden frame and is usually played in groups. Kulintangan usually has 8 to 9 small gongs arranged in a row, and when played, it produces different sounds from each other using two small wooden beaters.
There are some differences in terms of the number of kulintangan in some districts. For example, in the Telupid and Beluran districts, the Dusun Labuk tribe usually uses 9 kulintangan, while ethnic groups from other districts usually only use 6 to 7 kulintangan. Besides that, the kulintangan played also has differences in terms of traditional musical accompaniment between districts. For example, on the West Coast side, they usually only use kulintangan without any traditional musical accompaniment. In contrast, on the East Coast, such as Telupid and Beluran, the kulintangan musical instrument will be accompanied by the striking 3 types of gongs of different sizes. Similarly, with the Bajau and Suluk ethnic communities around the Semporna, Tawau and Lahad Datu districts, the Kulintangan is usually accompanied by the traditional musical instruments Gong Ibu and Gong Anak, as well as Tambul (drum).
Kulintangan is a significant traditional musical instrument that plays an important role in traditional ceremonies, festive occasions, and gatherings. For some ethnic groups such as Bajau Laut, Kulintangan is significant as an accompaniment in ritual ceremonies that involve belief in the spiritual realm. The sound produced by Kulintangan is believed to be able to communicate with the spirits of ancestors, in addition to creating the sacred atmosphere needed in the ceremony.
Apart from ritual ceremonies, Kulintangan is often a musical accompaniment in public events, especially at weddings and welcoming guests of honour. At weddings, the melodious and rhythmic sound of Kulintangan creates a happy and lively atmosphere that symbolises happiness and blessings for the bride and groom. Kulintangan is a symbol of family unity and happiness and a tool that strengthens bonds in the community. To welcome guests of honour, the beating of Kulintangan gives a sense of respect and recognition. Respected guests, such as community leaders or dignitaries, are welcomed with energetic and orderly sounds, which show pride and appreciation for their presence.
Typically, the clothing worn by Kulintangan musical instrument players is based on the appropriateness of the occasion being celebrated or according to their respective ethnic race. There is no specific clothing worn to play this musical instrument, and it depends on the ethnic culture and the purpose of the performance.
Traditional Kulintangan are usually made of metal such as iron or copper, which are manually crafted by local skilled craftsmen. However, changing times have led to the use of more readily available and affordable materials, such as zinc. Zinc was chosen because it is easier to shape and is also cheaper, making it a popular alternative in the making of modern Kulintangan.
In Sabah, the Kudat district is known as a gong-making centre, including the Kulintangan. There, factories and workshops produce these musical instruments to meet demand throughout the state. The small gongs that make up the Kulintangan are arranged on a wooden frame, and each gong is carefully measured to produce the perfect tone when struck. The making of the Kulintangan requires a high level of skill in selecting and shaping the materials to produce a melodious sound suitable for performance.
Kulintangan consists of several small gongs arranged according to certain tones, such as:
1. Preparation of the Bat: Kulintangan is played using two bats, usually made of wood, which is not too hard so that the sound produced is not too jarring. These bats are held in both hands of the player to hit the Kulintangan alternately or simultaneously.
2. Arrangement and Position of the Kulintangan: The Kulintangan are arranged horizontally according to pitch, with low pitches on the left and high pitches on the right (from the player's perspective). Players usually sit before the Kulintangan to easily reach all the gongs.
3. Striking Technique: The kulintangan is struck in the middle of its groove with the appropriate force to produce a clear and melodious sound. The striking must be done precisely to ensure the tone is stable and does not resonate excessively.
4. Following Rhythmic Patterns: The rhythmic patterns in kulintangan games are usually repetitive, and players will follow these patterns to produce a continuous melody. The pattern of strokes can change depending on the type of song or the atmosphere of the performance.
5. Improvisation in the Game: In some songs or performances, players can do small improvisations to add uniqueness to the melody. However, players need to maintain the basic rhythmic pattern and make sure not to disrupt the structure of the song being played.
6. Combined ensemble with other traditional musical instruments: Kulintangan is often played with other instruments such as large gong (mother gong), small gong (child gong), tambul (drum), and babandil. The kulintangan player must harmonise with the other instruments, ensuring the rhythmic pattern and tempo are appropriate to produce harmonious and comprehensive music.
Sairullah bin Ibrahim. Kampung Tampi-Tampi, 91308 Semporna, Sabah. 18 Oktober 2024.
Reference Source
Md. Shafiee Abd. Rahim & Ab. Nasir Roslan. (2012). Warisan Budaya Yang Tidak Ketara. Dalam, Md. Shafiee Abd. Rahim, Sabihah Osman & Ramzah Dambul (Eds). Bajau Pantai Timur. Institut Terjemahan Buku Malaysia.
Miller, T., & Williams, S. (2011). The Garland Handbook of Southeast Asian Music. Routledge.
Performing Arts and the Royal Courts of Southeast Asia, 2. (2024). BRILL.
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Encik Hassanal Redzuan
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Sabah
Kompleks JKKN Sabah,
Jalan Tasik off KM4 Jalan Penampang,
88200 Kota Kinabalu
SABAH
088-205070
