The Cordillera Highlands, also known as the Cordilleras or the Mountain Province, is a mountainous region in the northern Philippines. It is home to various indigenous peoples, each with its own distinct culture and musical tradition. Below are some of the notable musical instruments of the Cordillera Highlands, along with their functions:
Gangsa
- A set of small gongs suspended horizontally on a rack.
- Played by striking the gongs with mallets.
- Traditionally used for rituals, ceremonies, and festivals.
- Believed to possess supernatural powers.
Kulingtang
- A set of small gongs arranged in a row on a wooden frame.
- Played by striking the gongs with two wooden beaters.
- Mainly used for accompaniment during dances and rituals.
- Also associated with courtship and serenade.
Saggeypo
- A mouth harp composed of a bamboo or metal frame with a metal reed attached to it.
- Played by holding the frame against the mouth and plucking the reed with a finger.
- Often used as a solo instrument or for improvisation.
- Commonly played by shepherds and herders while tending their livestock.
Solibao
- A bamboo nose flute with four finger holes.
- Played by holding the flute against the nose and blowing air through it.
- Traditionally used for love songs and serenades.
- Considered as a symbol of courtship and romance.
Tongali
- A nose flute made of bamboo with six finger holes.
- Similar to the solibao but with a different pitch and timbre.
- Also used for love songs and courtship.
Paldog
- A type of bamboo buzzer or Jew's harp.
- Consists of a bamboo frame with a thin bamboo strip attached to it.
- Played by holding the frame against the mouth and plucking the bamboo strip with a finger.
- Produces a buzzing sound.
Bungkaka
- A bamboo zither with five strings made of coconut or abaca fibers.
- Played by plucking the strings with a plectrum made of horn or wood.
- Traditionally used for storytelling and singing.
These musical instruments hold cultural significance and play a vital role in the rituals, ceremonies, and daily lives of the indigenous peoples of the Cordillera Highlands.