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Product ID: 219830

96th Birthday Edition Balinese Bamboo Flute, "Sutasoma"

To celebrate his 96th birthday, Nyoman Lentong has crafted a series of unique... more

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To celebrate his 96th birthday, Nyoman Lentong has crafted a series of unique bamboo flutes, known in Bali as suling. For this unique flute he finds inspiration in the legendary "Kakawin Sutasoma" poem of Javanese origin. It is usually translated as "Unity in Diversity," for the 14th century poem teaches religious tolerance. Lentong carves the flute by hand with a sharp knife and uses coconut ashes to portray King Sutasoma, Purusada, the tiger and the dragon.

Written by mpu Tantular in the days of the Majapahit empire, "Kakawin Sutasoma" tells the story of Sutasoma, who was the prince of the Hastinapura kingdom as well as Buddha's reincarnation. Pious and devout, he fled the kingdom rather than marry and become a ruler. However, a demon was also meant to be reincarnated, and did so in King Purusada who would only eat human flesh. When he is badly injured, the Hindu goddess Kala promises to heal him if he eats 100 kings. Meanwhile, during his travels Sutasoma encounters a dragon and defeats him but does not kill him, as his faith prohibits him from doing so, and the dragon became his disciple. Later he encountered a tigress about to eat her young, and when Sutasoma couldn't convince her otherwise, he offered himself instead. The tigress jumped on him, sucking all his blood and killing him, and when she realized what she had done she began to cry. God Indra resurrected Sutasoma, and the tigress became his disciple too. Eventually he encountered Purusada, who needed Sutasoma as demanded by the Hindu goddess along with the other 100 kings. Sutasoma didn't resist and instead offered himself. Touched by his sacrifice, after eating Sutasoma, Purusada released the 100 kings.

  • 0.16 kgs
  • 0.4 lbs
  • 61 cm H x 3.4 cm Diam.
  • 24" H x 1.3" Diam.

  • Bamboo with polyester string
  • Instrument Rating: Advanced/Professional quality, intended for discerning musicians
  • Marked with artist's initials or trademark
  • Made in Indonesia.
  • Certified and shipped by our office in Indonesiaicon info
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