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Cong - Chieng Tay Nguyen
Cong - Chieng Tay Nguyen
Gongs are the musical instrument made of alloy bronze, sometimes with gold, silver or black bronze added to their composition. In the Kinh language, the word Cong identifies convex. Gongs and the word Chieng refer to the flat ones. Gongs vary in size 20 to 120cm in diameter.
They may be played one at a time or in groups of 2 to 20 units. The Muong, as well as other ethnic groups in the Truong Son Mountains and central highlands, use gongs not only to beat the rhythm but also to play polyphonic music. Ensembles of gongs usually include several sets that vary in number and function during the performance.
Gongs can be struck with wooden sticks, mallets, or even bare hands. There are techniques that can be used to shut off sounds and to produce melodies. In some ethnic groups, gongs are only intended for men to play. However. The sac bua gongs of the Muong are played by women. In other ethnic groups, both men and women may play. In general. Taboos regarding Cong-Chieng customs differ from ethnicity to ethnicity.
The gongs play an important role in the lives of the inhabitants of central highlands (Tay Nguyen) from birth until death. They are present at all the important events, joyful as well as unfortunate, in their lives. Almost every family has at least one set of gongs.
In general, gongs are considered to be sacred instruments. They are mainly used in offerings, rituals, funerals, wedding ceremonies, New Year’s festivities, agricultural rites, victory celebrations, etc…
In the Truong Son – Tay Nguyen region, playing the gongs electrified the people participating in dances and other forms of entertainment. It is an integral part of the spiritual life of many ethnic groups in Viet Nam.
In 2005, the space of gong culture in the central highlands was recognized by UNESCO as Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.