Skip to main content

Angklung

Date1940-1960 ca.
Place MadeJava, Indonesia, Asia
Serial No.none
Signednone
Markingsnone
DescriptionBamboo resonators on a stick frame, secured with rattan lashing. This is just one piece of a larger instrument. The angklung is a shaken idiophone. Sound is produced when the entire frame is shaken back and forth, setting the bamboo in motion. The length of the tubes creates different pitches, resulting in melodic and harmonic capabilities.

It is distributed throughout Southeast Asia and is most prominent in Java. Angklungs are played in ensembles during festivals to honor the rice field goddess, Sri Dewi. Five or seven angklungs, each tuned to a different pitch, play together in alternation to create a continuous melody. They are often accompanied by drums, gongs and a double-reed oboe called, in this region, a tarumpet.

Angklungs have also been integrated into a contemporary context in Java, playing in bands with guitar and drum accompaniment. These bands have replaced the Indonesian five or seven note tuning with the Western diatonic scales, and play contemporary western pop music.
DimensionsLength: 1060 mm
Width: 470 mm
ProvenancePreviously owned by James Francis, Toledo, Ohio, who purchased it in a second-hand shop. Purchased from Francis, June 1976.
Credit LineBoard of Trustees, 1976
Object number01430
On View
Not on view
Erhu
1925-1935 ca.
Tombagl
1973 ca.
Trumpet mask
Baining people
1976-1977 ca.
Mouth organ
1885-1899 ca.
Shamisen
1900-1915 ca.
Melodeon
George A. Prince & Co.
1849 ca.
We use cookies to ensure we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site or by closing or clicking "I agree", you agree to the use of cookies. I agree