Published March 7, 2023 | Activities, Uncategorized

What is Rindik?

 Rindik (Balinese traditional Musical instruments) is a set of ten xylophones of different lengths and sizes made of bamboo tubes suspended in a wooden frame. It is play by striking the xylophones with long handle rubber headed mallets. There are two types, each tuned differently : lanang (higher, or “left”) and wadon (lower, or “right”).

Rindik - Balinese Traditional Musical Instruments
Source: Google

Rindik is play for dancing and entertainment rather than ceremonies. Balinese usually play the rindik as welcoming music for the guests in a wedding ceremony. Rindik sounds softer, sweeter and quieter than bronze ensembles of metal gamelan. The combination of two rindik and a flute is consider excellent for all occasions.

Story of Rindik

A brief history of the journey of the Rindik musical instrument begins with the Wengker people (now Ponorogo) who rebelled against the Majapahit kingdom. The Wengker people have a musical instrument called Angklung Reyog which is also use as a weapon. One time there was an attack from the Demak kingdom which made the Wengker people run back to Bali while carrying Angklung Reyog and several gamelans.

Arriving in Bali, they had difficulty assembling the musical instrument because several parts were change positions. Then the Reyog Angklung is rearrange and can produce sound by presence hit like playing the Xylophone. The musical instrument was finally know as Rindik which in Old Javanese means neatly arrange with little gaps.

rindik instrument traditional music of Bali
Source: Google

The Function

The Rindik has several functions in Balinese culture and music. Here are some of its main functions:

  1. Ceremonial music: Rindik is often play in traditional Balinese ceremonies such as weddings, temple festivals, and other religious rituals. It is an important instrument in the gamelan ensemble, which is use in many of these ceremonies.
  2. Entertainment: Rindik is also use for entertainment purposes. It is often play in hotels, restaurants, and other tourist venues to provide a pleasant background sound for visitors.
  3. Cultural preservation: The Rindik is an important part of Balinese cultural heritage, and playing it helps to preserve this tradition for future generations.
  4. Education: The Rindik is sometimes use as a teaching tool in Balinese music education. It is an accessible and relatively easy instrument to learn, and it can help students develop their musical skills and appreciation.
  5. Musical expression: Finally, the Rindik can be use as a means of personal musical expression. Many Balinese musicians enjoy playing the instrument as a way to explore their creativity and connect with their cultural roots.

That’s all the information about Rindik – Balinese Traditional Musical Instruments. Not only animals, but also all things have a very significant meaning in the world. Let’s learn about acculturation of culture and animals with Bali Safari Park!