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Name: SAPE
The sape is one of the string instruments from the lute family, which has a short neck. It is made from soft wood, usually the meranti's. The sape has quite an elongated body which is hollowed out and functions as a resonator. The shape of the body looks like a sampan and is often called 'the boat lute' in the west. It is famous among the Kayan and Kenyah tribes of East Malaysia. It is used in entertainment and to accompany dances such as 'Datun Julud' and 'Ngajat' (one of the warrior dances associated with head hunting according to legend. Originally, sape strings were made from the Sago tree but now these have been replaced by nylon strings. One of the systems that are usually used are as follows: String 1 : Tuned to the 'middle C' of the piano.
All the strings are plucked using the thumb and only one of the strings is used to play the melody. The rest of the strings function as drone strings, playing only open strings. The strings are fixed across the body, supported by a bridge which is moveable, for tuning purposes.
The sape repertoire comprises songs like: Sambe Main Daton, Jempen Letoh, Kabun, Kelewah, Eng-tang Takoh and Nau-hu. The Kelewah, is usually performed for the purpose of entertainment of the residents of the long house. Sape usually plays in duet, playing in two registers, low and high. (Nik Mustapha, 1998)
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