The Sound of Culture: Yakan Bamboo Instrument Crafting

The Sound of Culture: Yakan Bamboo Instrument Crafting

The Yakan inhabit the island of Basilan just off the southern tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula of western Mindanao, particularly in the municipalities of Tipo, Lamitan, Sumisip, and Tuburan, and the islands of Sacol, Malanipa, and Tumalutab east of Zamboanga. The Yakan belong to the widespread Sama group, and their culture has become too specialized to be distinguished as a distinct group.

The Yakan’s language is closely related to the Sama, but their culture is more land orientated rather than the sea based. Agriculture consists largely of upland rice, although copra is also widespread. The main religion is Islam with syncretic elements from traditional and indigenous beliefs.

The Yakan are well-known for their elaborate dress, which is similar for males and females. For instance, both wear trousers. Noteworthy articles include the kandit, a fifteen-meter-long red sash worn by men, and the pinantupan, the women’s overskirt. Textile weaving done on the backstrap loom is much sought after, especially because of the intricate and beautiful motifs. The Yakan is one of the few groups that use tapestry loom producing the sophisticatedly woven pis syabit (headscarf for men) and seputangan (head cloth for women).

Who are the Yakan People?

The Yakans are concentrated in Tipo-tipo ,Lamitan, Sumisip, and Tuburan in the Basilan Island of ARMM. There are also scattered populations on the islands of Sakol, Malanipa, and Tumalutad east of the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The word Yakan means “Dayak Origin,” as they are believed to be descendants of the Orang Dyaks or Tagihamas of eastern Indonesia. They speak a dialect of Sama language and are culturally influenced in some respect by the Tausug.

The Yakans’ chief means of livelihood is farming, and they usually cultivate upland rice. They do not normally live in compact villages, building their houses just out of sight of their nearest neighbors, on their plots of farmland. 
The prominent person in each community of Yakan is the iman, who combines both religious and sociopolitical leadership. The Yakans are famous for their beautiful weaving and their colorful traditional clothes and customs.

The Yakan are an indigenous group primarily found in Basilan Island in the southern Philippines, with communities also in Zamboanga City. They are known for their vibrant culture, colorful traditional weaving, and distinctive music. The Yakan are traditionally agricultural and seafaring, but what sets them apart is their dedication to preserving their oral traditions, rituals, and handcrafted instruments that play a key role in social and spiritual life (NCCA, n.d.).

One of the most renowned Yakan musicians is Uwang Ahadas, who was named a National Living Treasure in 2000 for his mastery of Yakan musical traditions, including bamboo instruments like the gabbang and kwintangan kayu (National Commission for Culture and the Arts [NCCA], 2021).

Materials Used in Crafting Yakan Bamboo Instruments

The primary material for these instruments is, unsurprisingly, bamboo. But not just any bamboo will do. Yakan craftsmen choose mature, dry, and resonant bamboo that has aged for at least 3 years. Other materials include:

1.  Bamboo - Bamboo is the main material used for making Yakan instruments like the gabbang and kwintangan kayu. The Yakans choose mature bamboo, usually 3 to 5 years old, because it produces a better sound and is less likely to crack. The bamboo is used to make the bars or keys that are struck to produce musical notes. Sometimes, bamboo is also used for the resonator box or frame. The bamboo must be straight, strong, and free from cracks or holes. It is dried under the sun before being shaped and tuned.

2. Wood – Wood is used to make the base or frame of the instrument. It supports the bamboo bars and holds everything together. The Yakans use local hardwoods that are strong but not too heavy. The frame must be carefully made to keep the bars at the right height and spacing. This part of the instrument helps make the sound louder and clearer. In the kwintangan kayu, wood is also used for the stand that holds the hanging bars.

3. Rattan (Uway) – Rattan is a vine-like plant that grows in the forests of Basilan. The Yakans use thin rattan strips to tie and bind the bamboo bars to the wooden frame. Rattan is flexible and strong, making it perfect for holding the parts together without using nails or glue. It’s also used to decorate some parts of the instrument with natural patterns or designs.

4. Coconut oil or Beeswax  – After the instrument is built, the Yakans sometimes apply coconut oil or beeswax to the bamboo. This helps protect it from cracking, keeps away insects, and gives the surface a shiny finish. It also brings out the natural color of the bamboo, making the instrument more beautiful.

5. Natural Dyes and Burned Decorations– some gabbangs are decorated with burned patterns made by heating a piece of metal and pressing it onto the bamboo. Others are colored using natural dyes made from tree bark, leaves, or roots. These designs are simple but meaningful—they often reflect Yakan identity and artistry.

The Process of making the Gabbang ( bamboo xylophone)

Among the musical treasures of the Yakan people, none resonates more—literally and culturally—than the Gabbang. Often called the “bamboo xylophone,” the Gabbang is not just an instrument; it’s a symbol of identity, a tool of education, and a heritage heirloom. While it may appear simple, the crafting of a Gabbang is a meticulous and highly skilled process that takes patience, ear training, and deep respect for nature.

1. Selecting the Bamboo

Artisans begin by selecting straight, crack-free bamboo. The bamboo should produce a clear, resonant sound when tapped.

2. Cutting and Shaping

The bamboo is then cut into bars of different lengths. Each piece corresponds to a musical note. The shortest pieces produce the highest pitch, while longer ones make deeper tones.

3. Drying

The bamboo is left to dry in the sun to prevent cracking and to improve its tone quality.

4. Tuning

Each bar is shaved or carved slightly to achieve the desired pitch. The artisans usually do this by ear, showcasing their impressive musical skills.

5. Assembling

The bamboo bars are arranged on a wooden frame or placed above a resonator box, which is often made of hollow bamboo or wood. The instrument is then tied together with rattan or wire.

6. Finishing Touches

Optional decorations may include carvings, burnt patterns, or woven accents, making each Gabbang unique.

How can we preserve this instruments?

 Preserving Yakan Bamboo Instrument means protecting not only the instruments themselves but also the culture, knowledge, and skills passed down through generations. One way to do this is by supporting and promoting local artisans through cultural fairs, workshops, and schools that teach traditional Yakan music and craftsmanship. 

 Including this heritage in school lessons and community programs can help young people understand its value. It’s also important to document the crafting process through videos, interviews, and written guides to ensure the knowledge isn’t lost over time. Encouraging the use of sustainable materials and respecting traditional methods helps keep the practice authentic.

 Most of all, we can preserve Yakan bamboo instruments by giving it space to thrive—listening to its music, learning its meaning, and honoring the people who keep it alive.