gendang

Gendang is a family of double-headed drums used throughout the Malay world and Indonesia. In Indonesian contexts the instrument is more commonly called kendang, while gendang remains a common spelling in Malay usage. The gendang is typically played with the hands and forms a central rhythmic voice in many traditional ensembles, especially in gamelan and other ceremonial music.

Construction and design vary, but the typical gendang consists of a wooden, barrel-shaped shell with two drumheads stretched over each end. The heads are usually made of animal skin and are tensioned with ropes or cords. The two heads produce different pitches, allowing a single instrument to convey both rhythm and cues to the rest of the ensemble. In many gamelan traditions the right-side drum (kendhang kanan) is higher pitched than the left-side drum (kendhang kiri), enabling a range of coordinated patterns and signals.

Playing technique emphasizes the hands, with players producing a variety of strokes to articulate tempo, dynamics, and transitions. The kendang is often played by a dedicated drummer who communicates with other musicians, guiding the pace and mood of the performance. In addition to formal concert repertoires, gendang is used in weddings, religious rites, dances, and other communal events, reflecting its important social as well as musical role.

Cultural context and regional variations give the gendang/kendang its distinctive character, linking ritual, storytelling, and community performance across Southeast Asia.