Rebana ubi are very large cone shaped drums, at least 1 meter high and 70 centimeters in diameter. Rebana ubi ensembles compete with one another in post rice harvest festivals, playing interlocking rhythmic patterns.
Name: rebana
Classification: membranophone
Origin: Malay
Many single headed drums in Malay folk music are called rebana or some variation of that name. These are found with cenotaph shells or as kettle or frame drums. Most instruments called rebana are frame drums with a shallow or a deep frame made of wood. If metal jingles are loosely inserted in the frame the rebana is known as rebana kercing or tar.
Front view
Side view
Rebana Ubi (Big)
Side view
Front view
Rebana Ubi (Small)
Photo credits: Julie Tan
Very large cone shaped drums are also called rebana. Rebana ubi (photo above) is at least 70 cm in diameter and almost 1 meter in height. It is hung vertically or placed horizontally on the floor. They are usually found in ensembles which play interlocking patterns. Village rebana ubi orchestras often engage in contests with other villages providing entertainment after the rice harvest.
The rebana that is used for the zikir hadrah performance in Kedah and Perlis, is a potted type in shape and came in different sizes. The frame is made from jackfruit tree wood while cow hide is used for the drum skin. (Nik Mustapha, 1998)
"Rebana Penganak" come in pairs. Goat hide is used for the drum skin. This rebana is placed on the lap of the player during performance.
Rebana "Pengerum" came in sets of 10 or 8 rebana all together. It is used the same way as the rest of the rebana and is placed on the lap during performance. The players strike the rebana while they are singing.
Photo credits: Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism of Malaysia
Rebana "Dikir Barat" is another kind of rebana that flourishes in Kelantan. It can be used as a single instrument (solo) in "Main Petri", one of the traditional healing ceremonies performed in Kelantan. (Nik Mustapha, 1998)
Photo credits: Julie Tan