Gabbang

Group: Taosug

Front view

Top view

The resonating case, decorated with floral motives

The two beaters
Photographs copyright: F. de Jager

Classification

Idiophone, xylophone

Description

Xylophone with 17 keys made of bamboo, separated by metal nails. The resonating case is dcorated with floral motives. At the sides are two mirrors.

The beaters are made of wood with a piece of tube rubber

Dimensions: length: 102 cm., width: 51 cm. height: 37 cm.

Remarks

The Gabbang can be played as a solo instrument. Sometimes a duo is formed with a 'biula', a local violin.

A Taosug woman plays the gabbang.
Photograph: courtesy Dolf Heubers

Ethnic group: Taosug
Location: Jolo (muslim south)

Similar xylophones are played by:
- Samal, Sulu Archipelago (muslim south)
- Maranao, Central-west Mindanao (muslim south)