Java, Indonesia
Javanese

Bronze
19th – 20th century
Length: 14.5 in
Idiophones – Struck Idiophones – Gongs

The kentongan is a ‘slit-gong’ idiophone of the Javanese people of Indonesia. It serves as a signal instrument used by neighborhood night watchmen (rondha) in villages and city residential areas. This kentongan made from bronze is hung vertically from a roof beam of an open-sided structure. The top finial is a depiction of Garuda, shown in both anthropomorphic form with a man’s body, and zoomorphic with a bird-like head and open beak.  Garuda, a legendary bird or bird-like creature in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faith, is generally considered a protector with the power to swiftly go anywhere, ever watchful and an enemy of the serpent.  He is also part of the state insignia in India, Thailand, and Indonesia.