The Javanese Gamelan
The word 'gamelan' comes from the Javanese word "gamel", meaning to strike or hammer. The gamelan orchestra is a native art form predating the Hindu and Buddhist culture that came to dominate Indonesia In Javanese mythology, the gamelan was created by Sang Hyang Guru in Saka AD 230.
Instruments of Gamelan
The instruments developed into their current form during the Majapahit Empire from AD 1293 to around 1500. They consist of the saron, gender, gangsa and ugal - (metals bars laid out in a single row and struck like a glockenspiel). There are hanging gongs called kempul and ageng, cradled gongs called bonang and kenong, large, drum-shaped gongs laid out horizontally on stands. Wooden xylophone-like instruments called gambang, drums called kendhang as well as bamboo instruments, flutes, zithers, and sometime the gamelan orchestra is accompanied by singers.
Here is the movie of gamelan music.
The Javanese Dance
Javanese dance is over one thousand years old and the dance movements we see today might well be same as the ones carved on the temples walls of the temples of Java Indonesia-Javanese Dance (AD 800). The performance has a magical quality with the dancers dressed in elaborate and colorful costumes, their elegant and beautiful movements timed to the ethereal music of the gamelan orchestra.
Javanese dance.
Live show of Javanese dance.
The Javanese Shadow Puppet Theatre
The Javanese shadow puppet theatre is known as "Wayang Purwa" and is an elaborate five show performed at night. The Wayang was originally used to teach the Hindu religion by telling the stories of Ramayana and the Mahabarata.
Because they were handed down by the oral tradition rather than in writing the Javanese versions have evolved and have their own Javanese character. This evolution is still going on with contemporary performances including satirical elements.
An image of Javanese shadow puppet theatre.
Wayang kulit or shadow puppet
