The Gulingtangan, A Forgotten Heritage
LIMBANG: The culture and tradition that have evolved and been handed down from the past generations need to be proserved for the younger generation. Such heritage should not be lost to the fast changing times.
A mention of the word ‘Gulingtangan’ is not likely to ring any bell to the present young generation. It is the traditional musical instrument widely used by the Bruneian Malay community and communities in some parts of northern Sarawak.
In fact some of the young people simply shook their heads when asked about the existence of such traditional musical instrument that are made from material sourced from the jungle. The wood is from the tree known locally as the “sedaman”.
The tree is readily available in the wild and the ripe fruits are reputed to be a popular food for a species of birds known as the “punai”.
The leaves of the tree are believed to have herbal medicinal value and the local community used them in post-natal treatment of women.
Mimah Lalim, 61, from Kampung Meritam revealed that by knocking the layers of the properly positioned “sedaman” wood, graceful and hypnotic musical sound could be produced that would be pleasant to listeners.
She said apart from the “sedaman” wood, the banana tree trunk need to be cut into pieces to be used as joints of the musical instrument.
“All the materials used to make a Gulingtangan instrument can be found in the wild,” she assured.
Mimah, who is an expert in playing the Gulingtangan, has started since eight years old, learning the skill from her parents.
“In the past, when we were tired from working in the farm, Gulingtangan would be played under a big tree to bring relief after the long day of exhaustive work,” she said.
She conceded that the younger generation of Bruneian Malays were not showing much interest in the cultural tradition of the Gulingtangan as they had not been exposed to it.
Another villager of Kampung Meritam, Hidup Tuah, said Gulingtangan could be played by anyone as long as they knew how to knock the “sedaman” wood.
“Gulingtangan, especially to the Malay community in Brunei, symbolizes unity and harmony among the people taking part in the performance,” Hidup said adding that the Gulingtangan could also strengthen the family institution.
Gulingtangan is also played in some parts of northern Lawas especially in areas near the Merapok border.
FORGOTTEN HERITAGE … Amimah (2nd right) with her friends performing the Gulingtangan during a stage performance at Kampung Meritam recently.
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