by Dr. Raja Zulkarnain
The Cultural Art Showcase & Bazaar 2024, organised by the Maybank Foundation at Menara Maybank, is a vibrant celebration of cultural heritage from across the globe. This year's event aims not only to showcase traditional art and craftsmanship but also to educate the public about the rich cultural histories behind these artistic expressions. A significant focus of the event is to highlight the musical traditions of different regions, with a special emphasis on instruments that have shaped cultural identity.
One of the most exciting participants this year is Rumah Gambus, which brings a unique collection of artefacts related to the oud—known locally in the Malay world as the gambus. The exhibit offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore the deep-rooted history of the gambus, its craftsmanship, and its influence in Malaysia and beyond. The display also serves as an educational platform, providing the public with a deeper understanding of the oud’s global journey and its significance in the musical heritage of the Malay world. Here's a glimpse at what Rumah Gambus has to offer:
1. Black Eagle Quill Risya (Jordan)
This rare and precious oud pick, made from eagle feathers, is making its first appearance in Malaysia. Sourced from Jordan, it showcases the traditional use of organic materials in oud performances, revered for their flexibility and precision.
2. Tortoise Shell Mizrap (Turkey)
A traditional Turkish mizrap, made from tortoise shell, reflects the meticulous craftsmanship behind creating picks for Turkish ouds. Its durability and smoothness make it a sought-after accessory in oud performance.
3. Water Buffalo Horn Risya (Egypt)
This elegant oud pick from Egypt, crafted from water buffalo horn, highlights the use of natural materials in oud playing, adding a unique texture to the sound.
4. Plastic Picks (Turkey and Egypt)
Modern interpretations of the traditional risya, these plastic picks from Turkey and Egypt offer a glimpse into how contemporary players blend tradition with practicality.
5. Traditional Wooden Foot Rest (Iraq)
Used by oud players to support the instrument during performances, this wooden footrest hails from Iraq and represents the essential accessories that accompany oud playing.
6. Modern Steel Foot Rest
A more contemporary version of the traditional wooden footrest, this modern steel footrest offers both style and functionality for modern-day players.
7. Gambus Music Scores Samples
A selection of music scores specifically for gambus performances, offering visitors insight into the rich musical repertoire associated with the instrument.
8. Gambus Books in Malay, Arabic, English, and Turkish
Books dedicated to the study and performance of the gambus, available in multiple languages, reflecting the instrument's widespread influence across different cultures.
9. Gambus Articles from Magazines
A collection of magazine articles documenting the history, artistry, and impact of the gambus, preserving its cultural relevance in written form.
10. Gambus Newspaper Articles
Historical and contemporary newspaper clippings featuring the gambus, chronicling its place in cultural events, performances, and media.
11. Gambus Music in Cassette Format
A nostalgic throwback, these cassette tapes preserve traditional gambus music recordings from earlier decades, offering a historical soundscape.
12. Gambus Music in CD Format
A more modern medium, these CDs contain carefully curated gambus performances that highlight the instrument’s musical range and versatility.
13. Gambus-Related Photographs
A visual collection of photographs depicting gambus players, performances, and artisans, capturing the human connection behind the instrument.
14. Bashir-Style Iraqi Oud by Dimitris Rapakousios (Greece)
This masterpiece, crafted by renowned luthier Dimitris Rapakousios, is modelled after the Bashir-style Iraqi oud, known for its distinctive shape and deep resonance.
15. Turkish Oud (Ankara, Turkey)
A beautiful Turkish oud from Ankara, showcasing the design and sound that have made Turkish ouds renowned across the world.
16. Moroccan Lauto (Marrakech, Morocco)
The Moroccan lauto, a close cousin of the oud, embodies North African musical traditions. Slightly heavier due to its monoxyle construction—carved from a single block of wood—it produces a more muffled sound, a characteristic influenced by its design and the use of sheep skin for the soundboard. This distinctive construction gives the lauto its unique tonal qualities, setting it apart from other stringed instruments in the collection.
17. Fadzil bin Ahmad’s Gambus (Bahrain)
A personal and historically significant gambus once owned by Allahyarham Haji Fadzil bin Ahmad, a respected musician from Muar, Johor. This gambus represents the strong ties between Malaysia and the broader Middle Eastern oud tradition.
18. 2001 Oud Soundboard by Fuoad Jihad (Iraq)
This intricately crafted soundboard by Fuoad Jihad from Iraq represents the pinnacle of oud construction, dating back to 2001. Its quality reflects the high standards of Iraqi oud-making.
19. Soundboard Bracing by Maurice Shehata (Cairo, Egypt)
A rare look at the internal structure of an oud, this bracing system by Egyptian luthier Maurice Shehata showcases the careful engineering that goes into producing the oud’s distinctive sound.
20. Ebony Oud Tuning Pegs Samples
These samples of ebony tuning pegs offer a detailed look at the often-overlooked elements of oud construction, highlighting the importance of fine materials in creating a perfectly tuned instrument.
Celebrating Craftsmanship, Culture, and Legacy
This carefully curated selection of artefacts showcases the depth of craftsmanship and cultural significance of the oud, spanning countries from Jordan to Malaysia. Through this exhibit, Rumah Gambus seeks to highlight the enduring legacy of this instrument, connecting visitors to its rich heritage and cultural relevance in the modern world.
Visitors at the Cultural Art Showcase & Bazaar 2024 will have the rare opportunity to explore these artefacts up close, each piece offering a unique story about the art, music, and culture surrounding the oud. Whether you are a music enthusiast or a cultural historian, this display provides a rich experience, underscoring the global significance of the oud and its place in the Malay world.
Be sure to visit the Rumah Gambus exhibit at Menara Maybank to embark on this musical and cultural journey!
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