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REBANA KERAS
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Introduction and history
The Rebana Keras is a traditional musical instrument originating from Malaysia, particularly among the Malay community. It is a large drum used in various ceremonial and cultural events, including celebrations, feasts, and artistic performances. The Rebana Keras is often regarded as a symbol of traditional music within the Malay community, especially in regions such as Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and Johor. It is believed to have originated from the Middle East, particularly from Arab countries with a tradition of using large drums in various rituals and religious ceremonies. The early form of the rebana was adapted by the Malay community, who created their own version by modifying its size and crafting techniques.
Introduction to the Malay Community
When Islam began spreading in the Malay Archipelago in the 13th century, Arabic cultural influences, including music, were introduced. The Rebana Keras was one of the musical instruments incorporated into religious rituals such as Maulidur Rasul and other religious events. The Rebana Keras is often played in groups alongside other traditional instruments such as the serunai (a type of flute) and other drums.
The Rebana Keras has diverse functions and plays an important role in the social, cultural, and religious life of the Malay community. Below are some of its primary functions:
1. As a Traditional Musical Instrument
o Accompanying Artistic Performances: The Rebana Keras is used to accompany various types of Malay traditional dances and arts such as Tari Kuda Kepang, Tari Zapin, and Wayang Kulit. Its main function here is to provide rhythm and enhance the ambiance of the performance.
o Music for Entertainment: The Rebana Keras plays a role in entertainment, whether in formal performances or more casual social gatherings, to create a lively and joyful atmosphere.
2. Connector in Ceremonial and Social Events
o Weddings and Celebratory Events: The Rebana Keras is used in weddings, feasts, and traditional ceremonies to enliven the atmosphere and symbolize joy. It is often played during processions or the wedding dais ceremony.
o Social and Community Gatherings: Beyond religious ceremonies, the Rebana Keras is also utilized in social events such as prayer gatherings, tahlil (communal prayers), and gotong-royong (communal work), strengthening community ties.
3. Delivering Messages or Social Values
o Pantun Rebana: In some traditions, the Rebana Keras is used to accompany the delivery of pantun (Malay poetic verses) or folk tales that convey advice, moral teachings, or life values. This makes it a medium for delivering messages through oral arts.
o Oral Storytelling and Dramatic Performances: The Rebana Keras is also used to enrich storytelling in Wayang Kulit or Mak Yong, providing deeper dramatic effects to the narratives.
4. A Symbol of Cultural and Traditional Identity
o Preserving Cultural Heritage: The Rebana Keras serves as a symbol and tool for preserving Malay cultural traditions. It is used to maintain music and customs passed down through generations.
o Symbol of Community Pride: In many Malay communities, the Rebana Keras is a symbol of cultural and religious strength, reinforcing identity and pride within the community.
5. Education and Teaching
o Teaching the Younger Generation: The Rebana Keras is also used in arts education to teach young people about traditional music. This helps preserve the culture by ensuring the instrument continues to be played by future generations.
6. Creating Atmosphere and Strengthening Social Bonds
o Creating a Festive Atmosphere: The Rebana Keras acts as a mood driver, generating feelings of joy, enthusiasm, and harmony at events, whether religious, social, or cultural.
o Strengthening Social Bonds: In social and ceremonial gatherings, the Rebana Keras connects community members, fostering stronger relationships and solidarity among participants.
Conclusion
The Rebana Keras is a versatile musical instrument that plays a significant role in enriching culture, celebrating social events, and strengthening relationships within the community. These functions make the Rebana Keras not only a musical instrument but also an important symbol in preserving Malay cultural heritage and traditions.
The attire of Rebana Keras players typically involves traditional clothing that matches the context of the event or ceremony. Wearing this attire is essential to highlight Malay cultural characteristics and honor the music tradition.
1. Baju Melayu and Sampin
o Baju Melayu is a traditional Malay men’s attire consisting of a loose, long-sleeved shirt paired with a sampin (a sarong worn around the waist) and trousers. Baju Melayu is formal wear for many events, including those involving Rebana Keras performances.
o The sampin complements the Baju Melayu, giving a more polished and formal appearance. The sampin is usually made of brightly colored or traditionally patterned songket or woven fabric.
2. Songket and Traditional Fabrics
o Songket is a traditional Malay woven fabric often used in the attire of Rebana Keras players, especially during major events or celebrations. Songket is commonly used for making sampin or sarongs worn with Baju Melayu.
o Batik or sarongs can also be used in the performers’ attire. These fabrics are more casual but still retain traditional elements.
3. Dastar or Songkok
o A songkok is a traditional Malay men’s headpiece often worn during Rebana Keras performances. It symbolizes respect and propriety in Malay culture.
o A dastar or turban may also be worn by Rebana Keras players in religious or ceremonial contexts, especially during religious events like the Maulidur Rasul celebrations.
The tools and materials of the Rebana Keras are essential components in its construction and use. The Rebana Keras is a large drum used in various ceremonies and traditional events.
1. Rebana Keras (Drum)
o Drum Body: The body of the Rebana Keras is typically made of hardwood like teak or meranti, known for its durability and ability to produce loud, resonant sounds when struck. The body is circular and flat, with a large size.
o Drum Skin: The surface of the Rebana Keras is covered with animal hide, usually goat or cowhide. The hide is stretched over the body with specific tension to produce clear and powerful sounds. The tension can be adjusted as needed to achieve the desired tonal quality.
o Strings or Ropes: The drum skin is secured using tight strings or ropes, typically made from strong materials like nylon or durable thread, to ensure the skin remains taut and produces high-quality sound.
2. Mallets or Drumsticks (Palu Rebana)
o Drum Mallets: The Rebana Keras is played using mallets, which are sometimes called sticks. These are typically made of wood, with the ends sometimes wrapped in fabric or rubber to produce softer or louder sounds, depending on the playing technique.
o Size and Shape of Mallets: The size and shape of the mallets vary. Larger and heavier mallets are used for producing deeper, louder sounds, while lighter mallets are used for finer strokes.
3. Drum Fasteners (Sekat Rebana)
o Drum Securing Rings: In some cases, securing rings or fasteners are used to keep the drum skin at the right tension and prevent slipping during play. These fasteners help maintain the drum skin’s tautness.
4. Assembly and Tuning
o Drum Skin Installation: The animal hide used to cover the drum surface is carefully installed to ensure even tension. The hide is usually soaked beforehand to facilitate installation and then dries under the desired tension when affixed to the drum body.
o Sound Tuning: The tension or tightness of the drum skin is adjusted to produce different tonal qualities, depending on the event or performance requirements.
5. Finishing Accessories
o Padding or Drum Covers: Sometimes, drumsticks or fasteners are wrapped with special padding made of thick fabric to prevent damage to the drum skin and to produce better sound quality during play.
o Drum Stands: In some cases, the Rebana Keras is placed on special stands or supports for stability during performances, especially when used in shows.
6. Materials for Sound Modification
o Powder or Clay: Players or craftsmen sometimes use additional materials like clay powder to apply to the drum surface, which can affect the tonal quality or sound of the Rebana Keras.
o Oil or Water Solution: Some players apply a small amount of oil to the drum skin to maintain its strength and durability over time.
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Reference Source
i. Bahan Bacaan
Noryati Sulaiman. (2015). "Kesenian dan Muzik Tradisional Melayu: Peranan dalam Identiti Budaya."
Mohd. Fadhli Salleh. (2010). "Muzik Tradisional Melayu: Pembinaan dan Persembahan."
Location
State JKKN Contact Information
Nur Al-Farani binti Rosli
Cultural Officer
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara, Melaka
Kompleks JKKN Melaka
Hang Tuah Jaya, Lebuh Ayer Keroh,
75450 MELAKA
06 - 763 6308
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