Instruments
The violin Rebab

The two stringed spike fiddle "Rebab" is commonly heard in the Gamelan ensembles and remind us of other spike fiddles in Southeast Asia. The heart shaped resonator box is covered with animal skin like a dried cow bladder. This bowed instrument is remarkable for its loose smaller horse-hair bow. The playing technique reminds of the Arabian heritage of this violin, which might have arrived with Islam during the medieval ages. The "clothing" of the back of the instrument depicts the "female" appearance of the instrument, of course this beautyful lady can't appear "naked". The tone of the lower piteched violin is rich in formants and accompagnies the core melody in the Gamelan ensemble. Solo traditions are rare.

Pictures (click to enlarge):

 

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