Talempong duduak: image 2

For male and/or female participants. "Sitting talempong ensemble": women playing gong-chimes (talempong) and drums in seated position (duduak) as accompaniment for traditional Minangkabau dance. Among the most beautiful, sacred and highly rated instruments in Minangkabau culture are the gong-chimes which combine with drums, also sacred and highly rated, to form talempong ensembles. These are played at ritual occasions and may also include flutes and gongs. (For more information, see Margaret J Kartomi, On Concepts and Classifications of Musical Instruments, Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, pp.225-234.) Copyright 1985. Notes prepared by Bronia Kornhauser with Margaret Kartomi, School of Music-Conservatorium, Monash University. Photography by Hidris Kartomi.