Kendhang Wayang from the Javanese Gamelan Kyai Rengga Manis Everist

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NMM 9868. Kendhang Wayang. Mid-sized gamelan drum. Water-buffalo hide heads laced together with long strands of hide crisscrossed around the body. Teakwood body decorated with flower and leaf pattern covered with gold leaf. Length (head to head): 68.6 cm. Teakwood stand.

Function:  The kendhang wayang is used in the wayang kulit or Javanese shadow puppet theater, an art form always accompanied by a gamelan. This drum is used to create sound accompaniment for the movements of the puppets by the dhalang or puppeteer. It can be played quite loudly and is capable of producing a very wide range of tones and dynamics. There is a specific style of playing this drum for shadow puppet theater, which can be very ornamental and elaborate like the kendhang ciblon; however, the kendhang wayang can also be used to play kendhang ageng patterns. The kendhang wayang can also be played in venues other than shadow puppet theater.

Playing technique:  The kendhang wayang is a hand drum played using a variety of strokes on both heads.

Go to Checklist of Musical Instruments from Kyai Rengga Manis Everist Gamelan

Go to The Manufacture and Ceremonial History of the Kyai Rengga Manis Everist Gamelan

Go to The Arrival of the Kyai Rengga Manis Everist Gamelan in Vermillion, July 15, 2000

Go to The Naming Ceremony for the Kyai Rengga Manis Everist Gamelan, April 26, 2003

Go to Glossary of Terms Relating to the Kyai Rengga Manis Everist Gamelan

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