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and two chanangs, copper discs played with a muffled stick. This orchestra is used as a prelude to fights of animals or contests with kites, in processions with alangans (which we shall presently describe), in mimic battles with crackers which the boys from different gampōngs organize on festive occasions, and at certain piasans etc.
The tambu and chanangs are sometimes employed at ram-fights, but as a rule without the suléng.
The srunè[1] is a sort of clarionet with eight holes above and one below; the player of this instrument is always supported by two geundrangs[2], drums slung in front and struck with the hand on the left side and on the right with a drum-stick with a curved end. Properly speaking the above should be accompanied by another and smaller drum long and narrow in shape, the geundrang anaʾ or peunganaʾ.
This music is to be heard almost daily since it not alone serves to enhance the rejoicing at various feasts but also adds éclat to the fulfilment of vows.
Fulfilment of vows with music.A very common form of the expression of a vow, whether it be made on account of an illness or in view of some coming event of importance in the family, is as follows: the maker of the vow promises that as soon as the sick one recovers, or a certain wish is fulfilled or a certain momentous epoch (such as the circumcision or boring of the ears of children) has arrived, he or she will fulfil their vow at the tomb of Teungku N.[3]. By this it is understood, without any further words of explanation, that the person who makes the vow will cause to be brought to the holy tomb indicated an idang of yellow glutinous rice with its accessories (such as tumpòë-cakes etc.), some flowers, and some white cotton cloth to decorate the tombstones. The rice is intended for the parasites who nearly always haunt these tombs; if it is desired to have a special feast there, a separate provision of viands is made for this. The fresh flowers are placed on the tomb, and the
- ↑ The Malay sěrunai is identical with the instrument here described. The word is of Persian origin, Its bell-shaped mouth is called krongsong. (Translator).
- ↑ The geundrang as here described appears to correspond to the Malay tabuh, a two-ended drum of slightly oval shape. The Malay gěndang is also two-ended, but one end is smaller than the other, and the sides are straight. (Translator).
- ↑ Cf. Vol. I pp. 390 and 393.
bědug in Java and tabuh in other parts of Sumatra, is also known as tambu in Acheh, or is called tambu raya for the sake of distinction. [The Malays call it gěndang raya]. (Translator).
