ARTS AND CULTURE INFORMATION GATEWAY
Immerse yourself in the colorful world of art and culture! From traditional heritage to contemporary works, discover uniqueness that reflects the nation's identity and identity
ALAT MUZIK TOGUNGGAK
Picture
2
Video
No record
Today's Visitor
133
Number of Visitors
1539
Introduction and history
Togunggak or Togunggu' is a type of traditional bamboo-based musical instrument that is popular among the Momogun ethnic group in Sabah, such as the Dusun, Kadazan, Kadazan-Dusun, and Rungus. For the Murut ethnic group, it is known as Tagunggak. This musical instrument belongs to the idiophone category, like the Angklung musical instrument, which produces sound through the vibration of its entire body when tapped. It is made of bamboo rods that are cut to a certain size and designed to produce various sounds depending on the thickness, length, and diameter of the bamboo.
As an idiophone musical instrument, the Togunggak sound is produced when the surface of the bamboo is struck with a mallet, triggering vibrations that produce a specific tone. The number of rods in a set varies depending on ethnic tradition and performance context. Here, small sets usually consist of 6 to 12 rods (Togunggak), while large sets, such as the Murut Togunggak, can reach up to 30 rods (Peter, 2017). The Togunggak uses at least two or three large porings (Gigantochloa Levis) bamboo segments that act as bass to produce a large sound when struck. Each rod has a specific melodic and rhythmic function, allowing it to be played harmoniously in large ensembles to produce complex musical patterns.
Togunggak plays an important role in traditional Sabah society. Here are some of the main functions and roles of Togunggak:
1. Accompanying Musical Instruments in Traditional Ceremonies and Rituals
Togunggak is used as an accompanying musical instrument in traditional ceremonies and religious rituals, such as Magavau (an ancestor worship ceremony by the Kadazandusun community) and the Magau ceremony by the Murut community. The sound produced by Togunggak is believed to connect humans with the spiritual realm and is considered a medium of communication with ancestral spirits.
2. Instruments in Traditional Arts and Festivals
Togungak is often played as an accompanying musical instrument in traditional dance performances, such as the Sumazau dance (Dusun and Kadazandusun) and the Magunatip dance (Murut). In these performances, Togunggak helps to form the tempo and rhythm to make it easier for the dancers to organize their movement patterns. It also adds dynamics and color to the entire performance. Meanwhile, in festive ceremonies, this musical instrument is often played as entertainment among the local community, especially during festivals such as the Kaamatan Festival, the Kalimaran Festival, weddings and other traditional events. The Togunggak game is often combined with other traditional musical instruments, such as the gong, kulintangan, and sompoton, to form a harmonious musical ensemble.
3. Communication Tools and Social Symbols
The Togunggak functions as a communication tool in certain contexts, especially in traditional villages where it is used to convey sound signals to gather residents or to mark the beginning of a ceremony. For the Murut ethnic group, the Togunggak is played as a hammer to grab their heroes who return from war and gain victory by bringing back the head of the decapitated opponent and being greeted by all the residents of the Longhouse. Meanwhile, in some places, certain knocks on the Togunggak can symbolize the arrival of an honored guest or mark the success of a ceremony.
-
1. Bamboo Stem
The most commonly used bamboo species is Bambusa vulgaris due to its strong, durable structure and ability to produce sound resonance. Good bamboo will produce a clearer and louder sound. The length of the bamboo usually ranges from 50 cm to 120 cm, depending on the needs.
2. Batting Stick (Pantong/Pintog)
The batting stick, known as Pantong or Pintog, is made of durable hardwood such as cengal, rattan, or belian. The length of the batting is usually between 15 cm and 30 cm, with an appropriate thickness to ensure that the tapping produces optimal sound without damaging the bamboo surface. The batting handle is sometimes decorated with carvings or wrapped in cloth to provide a better grip and comfort for the player.
3. Rope or Rattan
A rope or rattan is used to arrange and hang the togunggak if it needs to be played in a standing position or hung in a specific arrangement. These ropes help ensure that the togunggak is in a stable position during play, especially when used in large ensemble performances.
1. Playing Positions
Togunggak is played in various positions depending on the number of players and the type of performance. It can be played sitting, standing, or hanging from a wooden frame.
2. Tapping Techniques
Players tap the middle or end of the bamboo stick to produce different sounds. Tapping the middle of the bamboo produces a sharper sound while tapping the end produces a softer, resonant sound.
3. Rhythm Pattern
Each player must play a rhythm pattern that is set according to the arrangement of the togunggak sticks. For example, players with large togunggak play the basic rhythm pattern (bass), while players with smaller togunggak play a faster rhythm melody.
4. Performance Variations
The togunggak can be played as a solo instrument or in a large ensemble with other traditional musical instruments such as gongs, kulintangan, sompoton, or bamboo flutes.
-
Reference Source
John. (2017). Belief & Practices of the Kadazandusun - Murut, Native of Sabah : Tales from Land Below the Wind.
MySabah. (2021). Tagunggak music by Kadazan Papar [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX79SQXTrso
Peter, E. E. (2017). Togunggak as teaching materials in secondary school.
Pugh-Kitingan, J. (2012). Kadazan Dusun. Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia.
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
Use the form below to contact the Informant/Figure/Editor/Researcher directly. We will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible!
