Bronze Gongs and Cymbals in Vietnam's Central Highland

Bronze Gongs and Cymbals play a key role in the cultures of Vietnam's Central Highland.

Since ancient times, ethnic minority groups in Vietnam's Central Highlands have used cymbals and gongs as trade items, yardsticks of prosperity, a means to express connections between families and clans, and above all, to communicate with deities and convey wishes for peace and affluence. Reliant on nature, these societies place strong faith in supernatural forces, rituals and the farming cycle.

Bronze Gongs and Cymbals are closely linked with the ceremonial rites, music and dance.

Virtually all ethnic groups in the Central Highlands use bronze gongs. The gongs are usually grouped into named sets. Different sets are used for different tasks and events. Each ethnicity has its own versions: double cymbal sets (also called Tha cymbals) of the Brau people; sets of three-buttoned gongs of the Churu, Bahna, Jarai and Gie Trieng ethnicities; sets of six flat cymbals of the Ma people; Stang sets of the Xo Dang; cymbal sets of Gar, Noong, Prong and Mnong families; Diek cymbal sets of Kpa families; sets of six-buttoned Bih gongs of Ede families; a set of 11 or 12 cymbals including three buttoned gongs and eight to nine flat cymbals of Giarai (Arai) family), Bahna (To Lo, Kon K'Deh families) and Sedang (Steng family), etc.

Depending on the nature of rituals, different sets of gongs are used. For instance, Giarai people use tonah/kodo cymbals for cheerful events. Each set comprises eight to nine cymbals and a large drum. Arap sets are used at funerals, and include 13 cymbals or more. Dependent on financial circumstances, a family or clan may possess personal sets of cymbals to be used for their own events.

Each ethnic group in the Central Highlands also boasts a different way of playing gongs. The beat of the Edes' gongs is quick and intense. The Mnong's gong rhythms are also fairly quick, but more moderate. The sounds of Bahna — Jarai gongs depend on the main pitch and accompanying pitches. The low pitch of buttoned gongs is firm, while the high pitch of flat cymbals is sharp and melodious. Since gongs and cymbals are grouped in sets, their sounds comprise a blend of different pitches that demonstrate subtle tonal expressions. The gong-makers' profound knowledge of sound waves allows them to create instruments with unique sounds.

Over the centuries, cymbals and gongs have become a sacred cultural essence of the Central Highlands. Strict rules were passed down concerning artisans, gender rules, postures, performance techniques and repertoires for different religious events. The cultures of the region's ethnic minority groups pivot around bronze gongs and cymbals. This is a community-centric art-form and an expression of the philosophy and rich history of communities throughout the Central Highlands. This art-form deserves to be recognized as an "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity".

Check out, this clip is on Gongs and Cymbals Rhythm in a dance at a Festival of ethnic minority groups in Vietnam's Central Highlands:

Bronze Gongs and Cymbals in Vietnam's Central Highland.

Posted in: Ethnic minority,Local Culture,Vietnam Music