A Study of Arabic Percussion Instruments to Dikir Hulu Performance: Rebana

Abstract

The objectives of this research article are to study: 1) the origin of ‘Rebana’ and its connection to Dikir Hulu performance, 2) the roles and analysis of the rhythm of Rebana in Dikir Hulu performance, and the persistence and improvement of Rebana instruments in Dikir Hulu. Historical methods and ethnomusicological research are used with related historical documents, along with fieldwork data collection using questionnaires, observation, and in-depth interviews in 3 groups of specified Dikir Hulu band who have been connected to the government offices regularly, are various in age and are well known in Pattani Province. The results are presented using a descriptive analysis. 
The result shows 1) the rebanas which connected to Dikir Hulu may have their origin in the Middle-East. They were called ‘Frame Drums’ and had been spread out to all over the world. The drums were spread out to South-East Asia through maritime trading by Arab and Persian traders between the era of Dhavaravadi and Srivijaya Kingdom. They were also spread out to Sumatra, Java, and the Malay Peninsula. The drums were found in Muslim culture in many countries in South- East Asia and in southern provinces of Thailand. 2) Role and Rhythm analysis of rebanas in Dikir Hulu performance, there were 3 important roles; 1) a role of music, 2) a role in society, and 
3) a role as a symbol. For rhythm analysis of rebanas in Dikir Hulu performance, there was a melodic rhythm of 4/4 at the speed of 40-100 times a minute.  There were 4 rhythms of renana in a performance of Dikir Hulu; 1) Slow, 
2) Mambo, 3) Ronggeng, and 4) Indian dance. 3) The study of persistence of rebanas in Dikir Hulu, there were 2 important points; 1) rebanas were musical instruments in local plays and performances, and 2) they were instruments in Dikir Hulu performances. There were 3 important factors for the improvement of rebanas; 1) time, 2) social condition, and 3) environment. Rebanas could be a symbol of a unity creation under the multiculturalism of Muslim 
culture in the south.