Cambodia
Cambodian

Wood, metal wire, bamboo, paint, gilt
Early 20th century
Length: 45 in; Height: 32 in; Depth: 16 in
Idiophones – Struck Idiophones – Metallophones/Xylophones

The roneat thung (roneat thum) is a low-pitched xylophone used in the Khmer classical music of Cambodia.  Khmer classical music evolved from the Khmer civilization that peaked during the Angkor period, from the 9^th to 15^th centuries when great monuments were built, depicting myths, gods, and aspects of daily life.  The Khmer music was learned and passed on through an oral tradition, but today is starting to be notated.  It is based predominantly on the pentatonic (five-tone) scale, consists of polyphonic stratification (layers of melodies) and is devoid of harmony in the Western sense.

This roneat thung is built in the shape of a curved rectangular boat. The gilt dragon boat features glass accents.  Three dragon heads are featured at one of the ends and a large curved tail at the opposite end.  Suspended by wire, between each end are 16 wooden bars.  The roneat thung plays an important part in the Pinpeat ensemble.  When played in the ensemble it is placed on the left of the roneat ek, a higher-pitched xylophone with 23 bars.  This Cambodian roneat thung is analogous to the Thai ranat thum.