West Papua is surely rich in cultures and tons of magnificent tourist destinations. But do you know that this land has a traditional musical instrument called Pikon?
Until today, locals still use and operate this instrument for various occasions.
This article covers information about a traditional music instrument from Papua named Pikonane. You will also find out about how this instrument is played as well as the functions.
What Is Pikon?
Have you heard of a traditional music instrument from West Papua called Pikonane? Well, this thing is also called Pikon and the origin is from Baliem valley.
Generally, Pikon is a wind music instrument native to the Hubala tribe. Nowadays, the Dani tribe commonly operates this instrument for various occasions.
In Balliem language itself, Pikonane means a musical instrument with a nice sound. Some people also called it a harp but they use their mouths to produce the sound.
While the entire thing is made of bamboo, it takes a small stick and a piece of string so that the user can create a nice sound out of the instrument.
Don’t expect something harmonious to come out from Pikonane, though. All you can hear might be something like birds chirping sounds. Still, it is quite enjoyable to listen to this instrument.
When to Use Pikon
Pikonane has a small shape – less than 6 cm. Even though today the sound that comes out from this instrument is a bit harmonious, the notes are limited to do, mi, and sol only.
According to locals, this instrument is played to enjoy leisure time. As explained earlier, the sounds that come out from this tool are more like chirping birds.
Today, musical instruments can produce musical notes. Thus, you may find Pikonane being played in various traditional ceremonial events.
So, how to play Pikon? Well, the player should blow the middle part of the bamboo and play the string.
The string is used for controlling the sound that comes out from the music instrument. The uniqueness makes Pikonane become one of those instruments played for local festivals.
Functions of Pikonane
You can say that the function of Pikon instrument is for entertainment. As briefly explained, this music instrument is played by locals when they are resting after a day full of work.
This is why locals – especially Dani tribe – are familiar with this music tool.
According to people, Dani tribe is really good at playing this instrument – especially the male ones.
They will play this tool when resting in honai or home, sometimes. So, it is safe to say that Pikonane exists for entertainment purposes only.
You also may not find this instrument being played in formal ceremonies, especially weddings or things like that.
Of course, the presence is highly different from other traditional instruments, such as Tifa and Fu.
Generally, Pikonane is a super simple musical tool. However, it takes a specific skill and understanding to a certain extent so that you can play this tool properly.
Also, if you are not used to this musical instrument, the voice that comes out may sound weird on your ear.
Feel free to learn Pikonane, after all. If you happen to visit West Papua, especially around Baliem valley, make sure you give this music instrument a try.
As mentioned earlier, West Papua is home to plenty of magnificent things.
From the enjoyable natural scenery and a bunch of tribes that showcase rich cultures to fun experiences with locals, everything can be found here.
Other than those things mentioned above, Papua also has traditional music instruments – one of them is Pikonane or Pikon.
While the instrument is quite difficult to play, Pikonane has authentic features – which makes it special and unique.
