This pair of bronze, banana-shaped percussion instruments are some of the smallest in the gamelan ensemble. The instrument is struck with a padded stick then allowed to resonate. They are usually played in pairs. 'Gamelan’ refers to the action (‘an’) of hammering (‘gamel’) by striking the bronze instruments with beaters. Gamelan comprise mainly bronze gongs, drums and a range of other wind and string instruments. Beliefs in the spiritual power of gamelan produce great respect for the instruments and the music. Only the most experienced forgers undertake the spiritually dangerous work of forging molten bronze into 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.
