11Story

07 May 2009

Musical instruments

The Batak

Contents - The history and western discovery of the Batak - Social and political life - Religion and rituals             * The beliefs             * Tondi and begu - The objects of the priest: the datu items - The Death - Synopsis of the exhibition             * The Workd of the Dead             * Singa             * Musical instruments             * The Toba House             * Enclosing the world             * Weapons and associated objects             * The datu items             * The protection - Bibliography

Musical instruments

 

It has always been noticed by western resarchers that the batak have a lively musical culture. However, more detailed attention for Batak music is relatively recent. The dominant instruments are drums, flutes and pluck instruments. Several instruments can be used in combination with each other in small orchestras. Music used to be a medium to contact the spirits of the ancestors. Although this religious aspect of music seems to belong to the past, drums, flutes and lutes are still used during modern church services.

 

 

Toba lute hasapi with two strings. © musée du quai Branly, photo Patrick Gries, Bruno Descoings, 70.2001.27.219.

 

 

Toba drum taganing   © musée du quai Branly, photo Patrick Gries, Bruno Descoings, 70.2001.27.221.

 

 

Karo lute kulkapi with two strings. © musée du quai Branly, photo Patrick Gries, Bruno Descoings, 70.2001.27.244.

 

 

 

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