Kumbing

Group: Manobo

Photograph copyright: F. de Jager

Classification

Idiophone, jaw harp

Description

Made of bamboo; the instrument is held before the opened mouth with the cut out tongue in front of the mouth opening. The left end is hit by the right hand. This makes the metal 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: 14,9 cm., width: 0,9 cm.

Remarks

Ethnic group: Manobo
Location: Central Mindanao

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
- Atta, SE Mindanao; kubing