Kubing

Group: Maranao

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. For a picture of the instrument in use: see the Kubing from the Atta.

A thin piece of bamboo of appr. 2 cm. length on the left side, for hitting and causing the tongue to vibrate, is broken off.

Dimensions: length: 23,6 cm. (or. appr. 26 cm.). , width (widest): 2,4 cm,
(smallest) 1,2 cm.

Remarks

Ethnic group: Maranao
Location: West Central Mindanao (muslim south)

Similar instruments are played all over the Philippines. We mention:
- Bontoc, North Luzon, Cordillera; afiw (made of brass)
- Hanunoo, Mindoro; kinaban
- Atta, SE Mindanao; kubing
- Manobo, SE Mindanao; kumbing