Gongs or Cong Chieng
Gongs 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-Tay
Nguyen regions, 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.
Gongs hold great significance and value for many
ethnic groups in Tay Nguyen. The gongs play an important role in the lives of
the inhabitants of Tay Nguyen; from birth until death, the gongs 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 festivities, agricultural rites, victory celebrations,
etc.
In the Truong Son -Tay Nguyen region, playing the
gongs electrifies the people participating in dances and other forms of
entertainment. Gongs have been an integral part of the spiritual life of many
ethnic groups in Vietnam.
The Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands
of Vietnam was recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Intangible Heritage
of Humanity on November 25, 2005.