Kampung Sumangkap has three giant gongs on display near the community centre. — Photos: MELODY L. GOH/The Star
One of the most important musical instruments in Sabah is the gong. It is featured in many cultural festivities and traditional ceremonies of major ethnic groups in the state including the Kadazan, Dusun, Rungus and Bajau.
You would usually need a whole set of gongs to play a tune alongside other instruments like a drum. The number of gongs in a set varies from one ethnic group to another, and sometimes, which district or village you come from, too. On average, seven gongs would used in a set. It is said that in the case of some really special occasions (for example, the wedding of a revered leader), up to 36 gongs may be featured!
