Flute, 'Two Dragons'

Two dragons twine sinuously on the smooth expanse of this bamboo flute. Known as a suling in Bali, the instrument is carefully crafted by Nyoman Lentong, his years of experience and musical talent producing a sonorous instrument. Flutes of this type are used in the Balinese Gamelan orchestra, whose importance goes well beyond the pleasure of music and into the realm of ritual ceremony. Each instrument in the ensemble is considered a work of art and an object of devotion. Primarily based on percussion instruments like gongs, drums, and xylophones, the Gamelan also includes flutes and other instruments, which enhance the hauntingly beautiful melody based on exotic scales. The multiple layers of harmony often accompany dances and ceremonial events. Lentong shapes the buluh, or bamboo, by hand, using burnt coconut ash to create the beautiful designs. It can take up to two weeks to complete an instrument of this kind.