NMM 9894. Suling (flute) in Laras Slendro. One-piece, end-blown, bamboo flute with four finger holes. Length: 52.5 cm. Teakwood stand, shared with NMM 9897, decorated with flower and leaf pattern covered in gold leaf.

NMM 9897.  Suling (flute) in Laras Pelog. Length: 54.0 cm. Stand shared by NMM 9894, teakwood decorated with flower and leaf pattern covered in gold leaf.

Function:  The suling is an elaborating instrument. Its role is similar to the pesinden (female solo vocalist) in emphasizing strong seleh or resolution phrases. It also has considerable freedom, as does the female vocalist, in its interpretation of these melodic phrases in terms of when it begins to play, what patterns it plays, its rhythm and ornamentation, and when it chooses to end its phrase.

Playing technique:  The suling is an end-blown flute featuring an internal duct with an external ring mechanism. It is held vertically in front of the player.