Music of Indonesia, Vol. 19: Music of Maluku: Halmahera, Buru, Kei

Musically, the vast province of Maluku ("the Moluccas") is one of the least known regions of Indonesia. Here we present music from three islands: Halmahera in the north, Buru in the center, and Kei Besar in the south. From Halmahera comes togal, entertainment music played on stringed instruments plus flute, drums, and a singer. From Buru we offer a varied selection: men's songs with drumming, an excerpt from a night-long sung narrative, jew's harp pieces, and a gong ensemble. Aside from two ensembles of flute and percussion, our recordings from Kei Besar are mainly vocal; solos, a duo, and choruses offering advice, recounting history, and asserting territorial boundaries (an important use for songs in Maluku); there is also a rowing song sung by children. Finally we return to Halmahera and present selections from a dabus performance accompanied by singing and frame drums. In dabus, a Muslim ritual derived from Sufi practice, men stab themselves vigorously with iron awls, but the spiritual power of the ritual leader protects them from serious injury. 74 minutes. 32-page booklet with map.

The published liner notes, along with corrections and supplementary materials, are available here.

Track Listing

101	Mares	Grup Oma Moy	04:56
102	Lagu Togal	Grup Oma Moy	07:47
103	Kalabae	Engafuka Ensemble	04:20
104	Tuang Kolatu	Nurut Wamese, Mukasayang Nustelu	04:46
105	Tigertama	Res Wamese	02:21
106	Perusi Tajang	Res Wamese	03:03
107	Ranafafan	Gong Ensemble	03:01
108	Marin Uib	Chorus of Children	01:13
109	Wannar	Grup Darussalam	03:55
110	Tiwal Sawat	Tiwal Ensemble	02:53
111	Snehet	Titus Rahaoban	04:01
112	Ngel-ngel	Paulus Rahaoban, Titus Rahaoban	02:35
113	Ngel-ngel	Female Soloist and Chorus	03:30
114	Baiut Ntya Nit	Poli Domakubun	01:06
115	Sosoi	Female Duo and Chorus	03:36
116	Tari Busur Panah	Michael Erubun, Otnen Domakubun	02:09
117	Dzikir Samman: Allahu Allah	Dabus Officiants and Musicians	07:15
118	Qasidah Rifai: Baghdadi	Dabus Officiants and Musicians	04:45
119	Kata Syeh: Baqada Imuhai	Dabus Officiants and Musicians	07:01