JP\/15\/Dayak<\/p>\n
Preserving Dayak traditional instruments<\/p>\n
Bambang Bider
\nContributor\/The Jakarta Post<\/p>\n
When I called on him at his house for an interview, Dayak
\nartist Kristian Mara was helping his pet monkey drink a glass of
\nchocolate milk. \"Well, I don't do this because I have lots of
\nmoney. It's simply because it is this monkey that will stay in
\nthe house when I'm out or away,\" he said, laughing heartily.<\/p>\n
The father of three is recognized as one of the most important
\nartists in West Kalimantan. Yet, despite his celebrity status, he
\nis modest about his achievements.<\/p>\n
He is known for his passion for preserving the Dayak culture
\nthrough Dayak traditional musical instruments. According to
\nKristian, some Dayak people have stopped performing cultural
\nceremonies because many of the musical instruments usually played
\nto accompany the rites have been either damaged or sold.<\/p>\n
Kristian, who makes engravings, composes songs of the Dayak
\nJangkang tribe in Sanggau Kapuas regency and has produced many
\nrecordings of these songs and music, has taken the initiative to
\nmake traditional Dayak musical instruments like the gong,
\nkulintang, tawak-tawak and drums in limited quantities to be used
\nby the Dayak people in his area.<\/p>\n
\"Unless we make these musical instruments, this tradition of
\nthe Dayak culture will disappear,\" he said.<\/p>\n
The musical instruments that Dayak tribes possess now are
\nhundreds of years old and many of them are in a bad condition, he
\nnoted, adding that some traditional Dayak musical instruments
\nwould be sold if they were still in a good condition.<\/p>\n
\"In fact, when we conduct a rite or welcome guests, these
\nmusical instruments must always be used as they are an integral
\npart of the Dayak culture,\" he added.<\/p>\n
Indeed, they have purchased new musical instruments from
\noutside the Dayak community but usually they do not produce the
\nnotes needed and are just left to collect dust.<\/p>\n
He has been lucky as he did not encounter any serious
\ntechnical problems, as he could draw on his previous experience
\nas a welder.<\/p>\n
Kristian, however, has not received formal training to make
\nDayak traditional musical instruments. \"I have not learnt how to
\nmake these musical instruments. I simply studied all the Dayak
\ntraditional musical instruments that I could lay my hands on,\" he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
When the idea to make the traditional instruments first struck
\nhim in 2002, Kristian dug into his own pocket to fund the
\nresearch, particularly to find the right metal for the
\ninstruments.<\/p>\n
As the project is self-funded, Kristian always faces the
\nproblem of money and equipment. A full set of Dayak traditional
\nmusical instruments costs about Rp 6 million (US$600) to make.
\nCarbide and iron plates are the two most expensive materials for
\nthese instruments.<\/p>\n
If one is interested in ordering a set of Dayak traditional
\nmusical instruments from Kristian, a 50 percent deposit is
\nrequired. \"When I started making these instruments in 2002, I
\ncharged only Rp 3 million for a set of instruments. However,
\nfollowing the hike in the prices of goods and fuel, reluctantly,
\nI had to raise my price,\" he said, his face clearly expressing
\nhis displeasure at having to raise the price.<\/p>\n
It is not without reason. Several buyers have complained about
\nthis although they can understand the problem he faces.<\/p>\n
\"Usually, the instruments are not purchased by individuals.
\nThey are bought by a community, a studio or an association. So,
\nprice is not really an issue to them,\" he noted.<\/p>\n
Dayak traditional musical instruments that Kristian makes
\nstill need a lot of improvement, especially in terms of their
\nshape. \"I have used only very simple equipment. I don't use the
\ncasting system usually adopted by metal craftsmen to obtain a
\nperfect shape. I have done only what I can do and my products
\nwill not disappoint,\" he said.<\/p>\n
As the number of orders he has received from dance studios,
\ngovernment offices in regencies and the communities in rural
\nareas increases, Kristian is seriously considering expanding the
\nbusiness.<\/p>\n
To this end, he is ready to share his knowledge with whoever
\nis interested. \"Anyway, there must be others who can pass on the
\nknow-how to the future generations.\"<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/jp15dayak-1447899208",
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