Sasando is a type of stringed
musical instrument with a resonator of haik (woven from palm leaves) that are
well known among the people of the East Nusa Tenggara province (Indonesia).
Indeed,
this instrument may be said to be unique, because it is one of the stringed
musical instrument with uniqueness in shape, technique to play and also the
material of it.
This instrument is quite famous these days in the midst of society, especially
after Berto Pah display in IMB (Indonesian Seeking Talent), but the problem is,
not all NTT's know Sasando, and only few people can play it. Maybe someday this
instrument will be extinct and we had to learn to play it from another people
in another countries.
History or the origin of Sasando, we all
just get from stories by generations that have been passed down by orally and
writing, but certainly this instrument consists of two types: Sasando gong and
violin Sasando.
The development of this instrument goes on along with the times, there is also
a modification of the form and the quality of sound with the turn of the
strings. fifik replaced by reinforced palm leaves, bamboo skins replaced by the
strings of wire, single-stringed replaced by double strings, also developed
acoustic to electronic, Sasando gong developed to violin Sasando.
Sasando became the pride for the Rotenese and NTT’s also because of form and
beauty. The sound of Sasando has been modified, but on the other hand Sasando
players are being reduced. Sure to be a question that comes up, why
preservation Sasando be decreased or obstacles? even today violin Sasando
players were staying few people. Even in general the number of sasando players
is no more than 20 people.
Aware of it, NTT society in general needs to
promote and preserve this instrument so the wealth of art and culture can be
developed and maintained. Involvement of all elements of society is
indispensable in preserving and developing this instrument.
Sasando
or Sasandu?
One of the factors that affect the birth culture
and structure of an area is the natural condition of the area. It also appears
that happen on the culture of Rote people, the origin place of Sasando. The
presence of palm trees in the Rote island so meaningful to the NTT’s because of
the tree, appears the idea for made a Sasando, therefore palm leaves itself is
a cultural foundation stone of society.
Rote society use this plant as a source of life,
for making wine, gin (a traditional drink), red sugar, sugar water, ants sugar,
mats, haik, sandals, hats roofs and building materials, but more than that,
This tree have more value because it inspired the birth of a musical instrument Sasando. Up to now the palm leaves are preserved as a resonator for Sasando.
Yusak Meok, one of the presenters at the Sasando Music seminar at the Hotel
Kristal, Thursday (17/12/2009) say, Sasando should named sasandu (sound
generated from vibration), born from the inspiration of the founder from interaction with nature.
According Meok, there are various version about the history of this instrument,
among others, this instrument is said to a young man named Sangguana in 1650’s
stranded on the Ndana island, Sangguana have artistic talent, so the people
took him to the palace, and the princess falling in love with him and asked
Sangguana to create musical instruments. Sangguana dreamed one night he playing
a musical instrument from his creation, then he given name sandu (vibrate) for
His instrument.
"There is nevertheless another story, this
instrument was found by two shepherds who named Lumbilang and Balialang, there
is also another story, Sasandu was discovered by two friends Lunggi Lain and
Balok Ama Sina," said Meok.
Because the instrument has been installed in the
resonance leaves, then it called the sandu or the sanu, it has
meaning vibration. This
instrument then called as sasandu derived from repeated word-sandu sandu or
vibrate repeatedly.
Now, it is more pronounced Sasando than Sasandu,
but these words do not change the shape and sound of this instrument.
Meanwhile Peter Riki Tukan, other speakers said,
sasando instrument is a cultural phenomenon in general and the arts (music) in
particular is quite tempting artists instincts.
(Source: Pos Kupang)
Diagram oleh Lembaga Kursus Musik Haleluya. Bpk. Djony Theedens (Mohon menghubungi beliau jika ingin digunakan)
