Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia, known for its rich cultural heritage, is home to numerous traditional musical instrument, with the Sape from Kalimantan standing out as one of the most renowned. This traditional string instrument, similar to a guitar, is plucked with the fingers and is often featured in the traditional ceremonies of the Dayak tribe.
In the Dayak language, Sape means “to pluck with the fingers,” aptly describing the technique used to play it. The instrument is crafted from select woods such as aro, marong, or pelantan and is adorned with intricate carvings that reflect the distinctive motifs of the Dayak culture. The entire surface of this roughly one-meter-long instrument is often covered with elaborate designs, making each Sape not just a musical instrument but also a work of art.
Interestingly, every province in Kalimantan has its own unique version of the Sape, usually distinguished by the traditional Dayak patterns etched onto the body of the instrument. The Sape resembles a guitar in its construction, with strings that produce melodies when plucked. The sound it generates is beautifully resonant and can be harmonized with modern instruments such as guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards.
Traditionally, the Sape is used to accompany various Dayak dances during festive cultural celebrations. Historically, it was also believed to have healing properties, used to accompany rituals intended to cure illnesses.
The instruments is also often played during family gatherings and is believed to lift the spirits of family members who may be feeling down or grieving.
Types of Sape
There are two primary types of Sape, differentiated by their scale and structure:
- Sape Kayaan: Originating from the Kayaan people, this type of Sape has a wider body with a shorter neck, measuring about one meter in length. It typically features two strings made from plastic and uses a four-note scale. This variant is known for its simpler and more straightforward construction.
- Sape Kenyah: This version, associated with the Kenyah people, is longer and slimmer, measuring around 1.5 meters. The Sape Kenyah features a more complex musical scale, usually ranging from 11 to 12 notes. It is strung with guitar strings or fine nylon threads, often in sets of three to five strings.
The Sape Kenyah is recognized for its more intricate sound capabilities, making it a favorite for complex musical compositions.
The Soulful Tunes of the Sape
The music played on the Sape is deeply connected to the emotions of the player and the surrounding environment, reflecting the Dayak community’s close bond with nature. The melodies vary depending on the time of day or the occasion being celebrated.
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When played during the day, the Sape produces joyful and lively tunes, full of cheerfulness. However, at night, its melodies turn more melancholic, evoking feelings of sadness and introspection.
During sacred ceremonies, the Sape takes on a more spiritual role, filling the atmosphere with a sense of reverence. The audience becomes silent, fully absorbing the mystical sounds produced by the instrument.
The music is so powerful that it can induce chills, leading participants to recite prayers or chant special mantras. There are even accounts of individuals being possessed by ancestral or spiritual entities in the midst of these ceremonies, as the Sape weaves its enchanting spell.
The Sape traditional music instrument not only serves as a bridge between the past and present but also highlights the rich cultural tapestry of Indonesia, offering a unique musical experience that continues to captivate audiences both locally and internationally.
(Raidi/Agung)
