Images from The Beede Gallery

NMM 1430. Angklung, Java, 20th century. Three bamboo-tube rattles set in a wooden frame. Sound produced when frame is shaken and tubes slide back and forth. Tongue segments cut from the tops of the tubes determine the pitch. This particular angklung is tuned approximately to the pitch of b/b-flat in three different octaves. Although the angklung is widely distributed across Southeast Asia, it is most prominent in Java. Traditionally played in ensembles with additional angklungs tuned to different pitches; when played together, melodies in five or seven-note tunings are possible. Angklung ensembles may be accompanied by drums and gongs. Board of Trustees, 1976.

Bamboo tubes cut in half lengthwise at the upper two-thirds; closed at the bottom nodes. Two prongs carved below the nodes. Base formed by binding together two halves of a branch cut in half lengthwise. Overall length: 106 cm. Length of tubes (longest to shortest): 24 cm, 16 cm, 12 cm. Circumference of tubes (longest to shortest): 24 cm, 16 cm, 12 cm. Width of angklung: 47 cm. Angklungs have been integrated into contemporary music-making in Java, where they are played in bands with guitar and drum accompaniment. These bands have replaced the Indonesian five- or seven-note tuning with Western diatonic scales in order to play Western pop music.

  Click arrow to continue Beede Gallery Tour

Go to Beede Gallery Tour Index

Go to Virtual Gallery Tour Index

Go to Annotated Checklist of Musical Instruments From Oceania on Display at the NMM

Go to Annotated Checklist of Musical Instruments From East Asia on Display at the NMM

National Music Museum
The University of South Dakota
414 East Clark Street
Vermillion, SD   57069

©National Music Museum, 2007-2010
Most recent update:   September 21, 2010

The University of South Dakota
Return to Top of Page