kulintang

Kulintang is a traditional musical instrument of the southern Philippines. It refers to a row of horizontally laid, knobbed bronze gongs that form the melodic core of a kulintang ensemble. The gongs, typically eight to fifteen in number, are suspended on a wooden rack arranged from high to low pitch and are struck with soft wooden mallets to produce a bright, ringing timbre.

Musically, the kulintang provides a highly ornamented, interlocking melody that is often improvised within traditional modes. It is the lead melodic instrument in the gong-chime ensemble, while other percussion—such as the gandingan (four large hanging gongs), agung (large paired gongs), and dabakan (drum)—supply rhythm, punctuation, and texture.

Geographically, kulintang is most strongly associated with the Maguindanaon, Maranao, and Tausug peoples of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, though related forms are found among other communities in the region. The repertoire accompanies epic storytelling, dances, and ceremonial occasions such as weddings and other community events. The instrument is typically performed as part of a larger gong-chime ensemble that includes gandingan, agung, and dabakan.

Construction and transmission: The gongs are cast from bronze with a raised central boss and are arranged on a wooden rack to form a graduated scale. They are learned and passed down through families and communities, with instruction often embedded in social and ceremonial contexts. Today, kulintang remains a living tradition, taught in cultural programs and performed in concerts by ensembles in the Philippines and among overseas Filipino communities.