This small drum or ketipung is part of a group of drums that lead the musicians in a gamelan ensemble. The drums speed up or slow down the music, depending on the mood of the music or the story that is being performed. The drums are made of carved wood with leather ends that are tuned up by tightening the connecting leather straps.Gamelan is a percussive ensemble of bronze gongs, drums and various other types of instruments. ‘Gamelan’ refers to the action (‘an’) of hammering and (‘gamel’) by striking the bronze instruments with beaters.Beliefs in the spiritual power of gamelan produce great respect for the instruments. Today gamelan music remains an important part of court and village life in Java. Many sets are kept as royal heirlooms (pusaka) and are played at important ceremonies.
