LUTE called Hasapi

Toba Batak Culture, North Sumatra, Indonesia

End of the 19th – beginning of the 20th century

Drink

H.: 57.5; W.: 8.5 cm

(restorations)

Carved monoxyl lute, with two (missing) strings, naviform body, flat back and resonator pierced with an elongated sound hole. The tapered neck, which is missing the two pegs formerly placed in the two circular cavities, features a pegbox carved with an anthropomorphic figure seated on an openwork capital.

This musical instrument was used during religious rituals or wedding parades, accompanied by a second hasapi , a flute and a xylophone.

Illustrative photo: Hasapi player , North Sumatra, 1915-1920 © Tassilo Adam

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON