Gamelan

Gamelan is the traditional Indonesian percussion orchestra composed of a set of musical instruments including hand-forged metal xylophones, gongs, chimes, and cymbals along with drums, string instruments and flutes. The xylophone keys are set within hand carved colorfully painted stands with symbolic imagery varying by location, types of xylophones used, and local traditions. Most have images of dragons (naga) who are benevolent creatures often linked to the sea, mountains, and forests and/or a Bhoma. Bhoma (“born from the earth”) is an ancient protective Balinese deity, offspring of the god of rain and the goddess of earth, guards Balinese temple entrances to keep evil spirits at bay. His head and face are often wrapped in a crown of flowers that appear menacing or friendly depending on the person entering the sacred space.