Instruments
The boatlute Sape

The  "Sape" is a special boat lute from Borneo which was already nearly forgotten but nowadays is again very famous for ensemble and solo performances. The carved hardwood body reminds us of a boat paddle, and the rich ornaments are common for most instruments. Electrification with guitar pickups make this instrument the modern guitar of Borneo, and sometimes poeple invent new shapes and appearances for their own "Sape". Only the upper string is used for melodies, one of the three to four string is used as a "bell tone" (single fret) while the others are struck for the basic harmonics. The "Sape" (or Sapeh) looks back on a long history and knows a variety of songs which are actually about to be rediscovered.

Pictures (click to enlarge):

    

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