Kubing

Group: Atta

Photograph copyright: F. de Jager

Classification

Idiophone, jaw harp

Description

Made of bamboo; Made of bamboo; the instrument is held horizontally with the bamboo tongue in front of the opened mouth. The left end is hit by the thumb of the right hand. This makes the bamboo tongue vibrate which causes a sound. The mouth serves as a resonator and by changing the shape and size of the mouth opening, the overtones can be changed, thus creating a melody. By strongly breathing in or out the volume can be changed as well.

Dimensions: length: 20,8 cm., width: 1 cm.

Remarks

Ethnic group: Atta
Location: SE Mindanao

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Similar instruments are played all over the Philippines. We mention:
- Bontoc, North Luzon, Cordillera; afiw (made of brass)
- Hanunoo, Mindoro;kinaban
- Maranao, Central-west Mindanao (muslim south), kubing
- Manobo, SE Mindanao; kumbing
- T'boli, SE Mindanao; kubing

Quintik Ofong plays the kubing (T'boli)
Photograph copyright: F. de Jager
Courtesy Philippine Council for Living Traditions