Xylophone


Last update: May 9, 2021


This xylophone (tak keung) consists of a variable number of bamboo tubes linked together by two rows of string. At each end, the links are joined together to form a hanging or carrying handle. The tubes are tuned by longitudinal size over half the length. The tubes are struck with two wooden or bamboo sticks. 

It is played during buffalo sacrifices in or in front of the common house, but also inside the houses or in the fields while watching over the crops as a simple pastime. Melodies usually played by gong ensembles and various types of songs are performed.

Jarai village of Phok Thom, February 12, 2010.

This xylophone is no longer played on a daily basis. It has moreover been summarily repaired for this out of context recording. The instrumental music supports a song whose content can be summarized as follows: "Don't forget the culture of our people".