Malaysia · Lute Making / Musical Instrument Craft
Gambus
Gambus is a plucked, oud-derived stringed instrument central to Johor's traditional Malay music, built by joining and pierced-carving (ukiran tebuk tembus) select hardwoods — sesenduk, seraya, and acacia — into a resonant lute body. The named master learned the craft from his uncle in 1996 and has since become an expert not only in playing-quality instruments but also in gambus sculptures and souvenirs, contributing significantly to promoting the gambus as Johor's traditional musical instrument. A signature example, the Gambus Johor "lada hitam" (black pepper), carries pierced kerawang fretwork on the body in leaf and black-pepper-fruit motifs. Recognized as national Adiguru Kraf (Master Craftsman) in 2023.
Risk level: Endangered · Not inscribed
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