ARTS AND CULTURE INFORMATION GATEWAY
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ALU BUNYI
Kg. Nesam, Bintong, Perlis
Picture
18
Video
Available
Today's Visitor
12
Number of Visitors
1127
Introduction and history
Alu bunyi is considered the second oldest form of performing arts in Perlis. It was brought by Indo-Chinese travellers who sailed to Malaya. As they settled in Malay villages, they planted paddy and played this alu bunyi music with vigour to entertain themselves. Malay farmers found the music interesting and learned to play it that it grew to be their source of entertainment too.
Alu bunyi is likewise played at harvest festivals. In the olden days, other than a form of entertainment, it was conducted to apease paddy spirits to assist farmers repelling pests, rats and birds from ruining their crops.
Formerly, alu bunyi was played at harvest seasons and festivals alongside making emping and ringgi. In modern times, it is presented at public gatherings in Perlis.
Alu bunyi performers use agricultural tools to produce engaging and enjoyable melodies. One of them is the pestle and mortar, pounding deep, loud sounds akin to the gamelan tunes. The pestle is made of kayu tui, jawi or retak duri.
An alu bunyi troupe is made of nine up to twelve people. Trained well, they play the music by thumping the middle and sides of the trough with the alu, accompanied with flutes and drums, creating a lovely symphony, pleasing and harmonious melody.
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Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Siti Rohayu binti Muhamad
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Perlis
Kompleks JKKN Perlis
Persiaran Wawasan Kangar
01000 Kangar
PERLIS
019-504 0015
