Sumatra
Batak People 

Wood, bronze, fiber rope
Early-Mid 20th century
Height: 42.25 in, Width: 42.25 in, Depth: 10.5 in

Idiophones – Struck Idiophones – Gongs

The ogung is a musical instrument as well as a communication tool used by the Batak people of Sumatra.  This ogung features five wooden full body finial carved figures with three surmounted on top and one on each side in the supporting frame. The ogung is one part of the Gondang Sabangun (ceremonial music), tortor (ceremonial dance) and ulaon adat (traditional ceremony) that is seen as a symbol of the Toba Batak cultural identity and strength.   In particular, the ogung (gong) is used for traditional ceremonies such as the death ceremonies, and even wedding ceremonies.