Hasapi (lute)
The Toba Batak people of northern Sumatra create elegant two-stringed lutes known as hasapi. In contrast to more public instruments, such as gong orchestras, which are played for large outdoor events, hasapi are used in more intimate indoor settings. Today, hasapi are generally played as part of musical ensembles. The composition of hasapi ensembles varies but typically includes a lead hasapi that plays the melody and a second hasapi playing an accompaniment, as well as a flute, small drum, xylophone, and other instruments. In the past, most Batak music was sacred and, among other contexts, the hasapi was played as part of a love magic ritual designed to win a woman's affections. However, virtually all Toba Batak are now Christians and hasapi music is intended as secular entertainment. Contemporary musicians in some parts of the Batak region have even created electric versions of the lute, which give far greater amplification to its normally subtle tones.
Artwork Details
- Title: Hasapi (lute)
- Artist: Toba Batak artist
- Date: late 19th–early 20th century
- Geography: Indonesia, Sumatra
- Culture: Toba Batak
- Medium: Wood, buffalo horn, silver, brass, iron, gold
- Dimensions: H. 30 3/8 × W. 3 1/2 × D. 4 1/2 in. (77.2 × 8.9 × 11.4 cm)
- Classifications: Wood-Musical Instruments, Ivories-Horn, Metal
- Credit Line: Bequest of John B. Elliott, 1997
- Object Number: 1999.47.44
- Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Toba Batak artist
late 19th–early 20th century
Toba Batak artist
19th–early 20th century
Toba Batak artist
late 19th–early 20th century
Toba Batak artist
late 19th–early 20th century
Toba Batak artist
late 19th–early 20th century
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.