Gamelan Angklung

Gamelan angklung is one of the more popular ensembles found at ceremonies. You remember seeing this small-sized ensemble at odalan (temple anniversary festivals) and during a cremation, where it was used processionally with the angklung (bamboo rattles) that give the ensemble its name. One of its distinguishing features is that the metallophones only have four keys.

Image at right: Detail from Village Scene: Preparing for Dewa Yadnya (Ceremony for the Gods). Ubud area, Padangtegal (?), Bali. Permanent loan courtesy of Krannert Art Museum, gift of Spencer and Lena Ewing. 1972.08.0023.

This important ceremony takes place in the outer courtyard of a temple and welcomes the gods to take their place inside. Men play gamelan angklung to accompany the women dancing pependetan, a dance considered so sacred that often only virgins may participate. One of the female dancers carries burning incense, while another carries a water jar that contains either holy water or palm wine to sprinkle on the ground in front of the temple gate. Both are elements used for purification in ceremonial contexts.