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Manage No, Sortation, Country, Writer ,Date, Copyright Manage No EE00001238 Country Malaysia ICH Domain Performing Arts Address The state of Sarawak, Malaysia
| Description | Sape is a traditional lute of the Orang Ulu community of Sarawak, traditionally used by the Kenyah, Kayan and Kelabit tribes. It was once played solely during healing ceremonies at the longhouse, but gradually became a social instrument used as a form of entertainment. Carved from a bole of white wood, the Sape is about over a metre long and approximately 40 centimetres wide. Initially this instrument measured less than a metre and had only two rattan strings and three frets. Today it has up to five strings held by movable wood frets and are tightened or loosened with wooden pegs. This solo instrument’s music is thematic, more often than not inspired by dreams. There are specific compositions for specific ceremonies and situations (marriages, births, harvest times, rain, etc.) which often differ from one sub-ethnic group to another. Typically, the Sape is played while sitting cross-legged on the floor and is used to accompany dances; one for the men's longhouse, the other for the women. Examples include the Ngajat (warrior dance) and Datun Julud. When played for a dance usually two Sapes are used and tuned to different registers of low and high. Sape is occasionally supported by other musical instruments such as jatung utang (wooden xylophone). |
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The Malaysia Arts Cultural Practitioners Association (MACPA)
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PI00002132
Sape
The most typical of Sarawak musical instruments, the sape, pronounced "sa-peh", is a traditional lute of the Orang Ulu community or "upriver people" of central Borneo, Sarawak. It is traditionally used by the Kenyah, Kayan and Kelabit tribes. Carved from a bole of white wood which repels insects, the sape is a masterpiece of woodcarving. The carver, usually a musician, hollows out the body of the sape with similar tools used in boat-building to a length of about over a metre, and approximately 40cm wide. Initially, the guitar-like instrument measured less than a metre, and had only two rattan strings and three frets. Today, however, it is common to find sape with three, four or even five strings. The strings - slender wires used in fishing rods - are held by movable wood frets, and are tightened or loosened with wooden pegs. The sape was once played solely during healing ceremonies within the rumah panjang (longhouses), but gradually became a social instrument that is used as a form of entertainment. The colourful jungle motifs that adorn the body of the sape mark this change in purpose. The music of sape is thematic, more often than not inspired by dreams. There are specific compositions for specific ceremonies and situations (marriages, births, harvest times, rain etc) which often differ from one sub-ethnic group to another. The traditional pieces, which have many variations, are usually passed down through the generations. Typically, the sape is played while sitting cross-legged on the floor, and is used to accompany dances; one for the men's longhouse dance, the other for the women's. Examples include the Ngajat (warriors dance) and Datun Julud. When played for a dance, two sapes tuned to different registers (low and high) are usually used. And though the sape is a solo instrument, it is occasionally supported by other musical instruments such as the jatung utang (wooden xylophone).
Malaysia -
PI00004203
Sape
Sape is one of the most identifiable traditional musical instruments in Sarawak producing a soothing sound of music. It is a traditional lute of the Orang Ulu community of Sarawak, traditionally used by the Kenyah, Kayan and Kelabit tribes.
Malaysia -
PI00004200
Sape
Sape is one of the most identifiable traditional musical instruments in Sarawak producing a soothing sound of music. It is a traditional lute of the Orang Ulu community of Sarawak, traditionally used by the Kenyah, Kayan and Kelabit tribes.
Malaysia -
PI00004198
Sape
Sape is one of the most identifiable traditional musical instruments in Sarawak producing a soothing sound of music. It is a traditional lute of the Orang Ulu community of Sarawak, traditionally used by the Kenyah, Kayan and Kelabit tribes.
Malaysia
Videos
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VI00000331
Sape
Sape is one of the most identifiable traditional musical instruments in Sarawak producing a soothing sound of music. It is a traditional lute of the Orang Ulu community of Sarawak, traditionally used by the Kenyah, Kayan and Kelabit tribes.
00:02:36
Malaysia -
VI00000224
Malaysia The Instrument that Heals the Body and the Mind Sape (Highlight)
Sape is a traditional instrument of the Kenyah people in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is a boat-shaped instrument made of special wood and traditionally consists of 2 to 4 strings. Traditionally, sape performance was considered more than just a performance as part of a ritual, and only men were allowed to play. However, in modern times, women can also play Sape, and the number of strings has increased to six, allowing various modern music performances.
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Malaysia 2019 -
VI00000182
Sape: An Instrument for Mind and Body
The sape is a traditional instrument of the Kenyah people in Sarawak, Malaysia. This boat-shaped instrument is made of the special wood adau and typically has two to four strings. Sape music carries greater significance than simple performance—it has long been used to calm people and treat illnesses. Previously, women were not allowed to play the sape, but it gradually became acceptable for them to perform. As the materials and playing techniques have changed over time as well, more people are now able to enjoy sape performances. The sape has helped to keep the tradition and beliefs of Malaysia alive through to the modern era.
00:25:49
Malaysia 2019