POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Filipino Zither

Object No. 94/3/1

This tube zither is representative of music making and instrument making in the Philippines, in Southeast Asia, and as an example of the instruments that traditional music is played on. The tube zither is widespread throughout the Philippines and is known by many names. It is used in a variety of contexts from individual music making to accompanying songs and dances at more public events such as weddings. It is also sometimes played in conjunction with long necked lutes such as the kudyapi and its variants. Held by both hands the two strings facing the player are plucked by the thumbs and the rear strings are played by the fingers of both hands. As an instrument used for playing traditional music the tube zither also helps to explain the passing on of traditional techniques of instrument making and the use of local materials. More broadly the tube zither can be used to show similarities and differences between other types of stringed zithers used in a variety of musical cultures in other parts of the world. In terms of design and construction this tube zither provides a very different example of zither when compared to European zithers. Rather than having a series of strings horizontally arrange on an even plane over a sound box the tube zither has a range of strings arranged around the circumference of its bamboo tube which also acts as a sound box. Another point of difference is that the strings of the tube zither are made from bamboo and are cut from the tube of the instrument and remain attached to it at each end. The European zither usually has metal strings that are detachable. Although musical instruments from other cultures within Asia are represented in the Museum's collection they largely focus on Korea, Japan and China. This example from the Philippines helps to describe aspects of musical performance and the role of music in a culture outside of Australia and its role in local music-making, festivals and rituals. Further Reading: Philippines National Commission For Culture and the Arts (http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/articles-on-c-n-a/article.php?i=155&igm=1) Corazon Dioquino; "Philippine Bamboo Instruments" in Humanities Diliman (January-December 2008) 5:1-2, 101-113 (http://philippinesheritage.ph/filer/toledo-cebu/PHILIPPINE-BAMBOO-INSTRUMENTS.pdf) Maria Christine M Muyco; "(Re)Opening A Cultural Memory: The Bamboo Instruments of the Panay Bukidnon" in Humanities Diliman (January-December 2008) 5:1-2, 114-126 (http://philippinesheritage.ph/filer/toledo-cebu/PHILIPPINE-BAMBOO-INSTRUMENTS.pdf) Michael Lea Curator, music & musical instruments July, 2012

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Summary

Object Statement

Zither, tube, idiochord, bamboo / cotton / glass, probably made by Tboli or Bagobo people, Mindanao, Philippines, 1940-1970

Physical Description

Hollow tube cut from a length of bamboo. The upper node is pierced with a sound hole. Six bamboo strips are cut from, and raised above six lengthwise grooves in the tube. These strips are held in place by bands of platted fabric at each end of the tube and are raised by short, narrow strips of cane acting as movable bridges. Each end of the tube is decorated with a band of woven fabric ornamented with glass beads in various colours, yellow, white, red, blue and black. There is loop of woven fabric attached to the top end, to hang the instrument from a strap or hook.

DIMENSIONS

Diameter

105 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

Probably of the Tboli people or Bagobo people of the Philippines in the Southeast Asian region. The zither was made between 1940 and 1970, using traditional techniques and locally available materials, although the glass bead ornamentation on this particular example is unusual.

HISTORY

Notes

This is a folk instrument common to many cultures in the Southeast Asian region, including the Philippines, Bali, Borneo, Burma, India and Thailand. In many of these cultures the tube zither is a woman's instrument. In the Philippines, tube zithers are used in various musical contexts, to accompany ceremonies, singing, chanting and dancing. This exmple was purchased by the vendor in the Philippines in 1979.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Purchased 1994

Acquisition Date

12 January 1994

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