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Sape Sarawak, a musical instrument originally belonging to the Orang Ulu indigenous people of Sarawak which is known for its history steeped in rich tradition; combined with its melodious and serene tunes in the hands of a skilled player.
In terms of origin, the Sape was believed to have been inspired from a dream by a man who claimed that the spirits beckoned him to craft the instrument as means of healing his sick wife; as well as an instrument that acts a conduit between men in helping the communicate with the spiritual realm. During the olden days, the Sape was mostly played during shamanistic ceremonies, healing and cleansing ceremonies; as well as to accompany dances. Today however, Sape music is more inclined for aesthetic and entertainment purposes; with innovations and enhancements further decorating the once monotonous melodies of the Sape.
Belonging to the Lute family, the Sape initially had only two or three strings attached to its body and they are made of fine rattan stretched from end to end; with one string to produce the melody while the other two produces rhythmic drones to accompany melody. The modern Sape however has seen some enhancements such as the use of metal strings, having more than 3 strings, as well as guitar-like pegs for the convenience of tuning the instrument rather than using rigid bamboo pegs that are quite difficult to turn.
Though the Sape is somewhat similar to the Western classical guitar at first glance, the Sape is unique in a sense that it is totally flexible and adjustable compared to the fixed tuning of the guitar with its definite notes on 32 frets. The Sape on the contrary, with its movable frets are designed as such in order to adjust for different tunings and styles. Also, unlike the guitar, the Sape is said to not utilize the theories of musical notations unlike what is commonly used in Western music and that it based more on intuition rather than sheer technicality.
Though it may be, the Sape has been proven and demonstrated that it is versatile up to a point that it is capable to playing Western music. In light of the revival of Sape music, lovers as well as Sape virtuoso alike have strived to improvise Sape music by combining it with other elements; giving the music a contemporary feel about it. This proves how harmonious the Sape is even when combined with modern musical instruments as well as technology relating to music.
Today, Sape music has become widespread and well known throughout the culture of Sarawak so much, that it has become popular in cultural events, dances, performances, formal dinners and even serenading the ears of tourists from different nationalities.
It is an irrefutable fact that Sape music touches the heart and soul; and that its ‘ethereal’ and otherworldly tune is sure to captivate and bring outright satisfaction out of listeners.
