A gamelan is an ensemble of gongs, drums, and several other types of instruments. 'Gamelan’ refers to the action (‘an’) of hammering (‘gamel’) by striking the bronze instruments with beaters such as these. The wood mallets produce a loud tone and are used on the instruments that play the main melody, while the small padded beaters are used to play the gongs and softer instruments. The long-handled beaters are used to play the loud gongs. Beliefs in the spiritual power of gamelan produce great respect for the instruments. Only the most experienced forgers undertake the spiritually dangerous work of forging molten bronze into instruments. Many gamelan have a name and are honoured with offerings. The name of this set ‘Ngambar Arum’ or ‘Golden Fragrance’ is inscribed inside the largest gong.
