Imbau

Imbau is a traditional Indonesian musical instrument associated with the Dayak peoples of Kalimantan (Borneo) and other groups in central and eastern Indonesia. It is generally described as a one-string, long-bowed or plucked lute with a flexible body; many versions use a bamboo bow supporting a resonator made from a hollow gourd, wooden box, or carved branch, with a single tensioned string running along the length.

The instrument is played by plucking the string with a small plectrum or fingers; in some variants, the bamboo bow is used to excite the string or to modulate the pitch by changing tension. Players may also dampen the string to alter timbre. The playing technique and tonal outcome can vary between communities and individual makers.

Tone is typically bright and penetrating, capable of mimicking bird calls and other natural sounds. Imbau is used in folk music performances, storytelling, and ceremonial contexts, and in some areas it accompanies dances or vocal interludes. In modern times, it has appeared in world music ensembles and educational settings, where it is often presented as a representative example of regional Indonesian instruments.

The exact origins of the imbua are unclear, and descriptions of the instrument reflect regional variations in construction and playing style. Documentation by ethnomusicologists and field researchers has contributed to an understanding of its role in local musical life, though practices and terminologies can differ widely across communities.