Sarawak, Malaysia
Kenyah, Kayan, Kelabit Communities

Wood, metal strings
Mid 20 century
Length: 43.25 inches
Chordophones – Lutes

The sape’ (sampek, sapeh, sapek) is a traditional plucked lute of the Kenyah, Kayan, and Kelabit communities of Sarawak, Malaysia. The boat-shaped body and short neck is carved from a large aro tree trunk. It is decoratively carved on the front while the back is hallowed out and left open.  Initially the sape’ had two strings and only three frets. Its use was restricted to a form of ritualistic music to induce trance. Today, three to five strings are used, with a range of more than three octaves, and it has become a social instrument for entertainment and accompanying dances.  This sapa’ has three strings, one melody producing string that incorporates ornamentations, and two strings played as rhythmic drones.  Sapes are still being made in Borneo, and some have been electrified with amplifiers.