Music and arts

• What countries are mentioned in the study material related to fabric and fabric design?

  Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore
• What is Thai silk produced from?

  Cocoons of Thai silkworms
• Where is the center of the silk industry in Thailand?

  Khorat
• What do Thai weavers feed the caterpillars to produce silk?

  Mulberry leaves
• How is Thai silk regarded in the world?


  It is considered one of the finest arts in the world
• What are the two main types of Cambodian weaving techniques?

  1. Ikat technique (Khmer term: chongkiet)

  • Weavers tie and dye portions of weft yarn before weaving
  • Patterns vary by region (e.g., lattice, stars, spots)

  1. Uneven twill

  • Yields single or two-color fabrics
  • Weaving three threads with one color dominating on one side
• What natural dyes are traditionally used in Cambodian textiles?

  Insect nests (red), indigo (blue), prohut bark (yellow and green), ebony bark (black)
• Which provinces in Cambodia are known for modern silk-weaving centers?

  Takeo, Battambang, Beanteay Meanchey, Siem Reap, and Kampot
• What is the traditional use of Cambodian silk?

  It is used in sampot (wrap skirts), furnishings, and pidan (pictorial tapestries)
• What role do rural women play in Cambodian silk-weaving today?

  They are employed in the revived silk-weaving industry
• What is the traditional check scarf worn by Cambodians called?

  Krama
• How do Lao textiles convey stories?

  They are woven with intricate patterns and motifs that tell stories
• What is a sihn in Lao culture?

  A traditional ankle-long skirt worn by Lao women
• What do the motifs on a sihn represent?

  They express personal views and can symbolize various aspects like resourcefulness and fertility
• Where did golden thread silks originate?

  Vietnam
• What is the significance of Ha Dong in Vietnam?

  It is the center of weaving and sericulture for centuries
• What are some popular Vietnamese fabric types?

  1. Shantung taffeta
  2. Bengaline weave
  3. Ebony satin
• What is the batik technique used in Indonesia and Malaysia?

  It involves dyeing fabric using a resist technique with hot wax
• What are the two categories of batik designs?

  1. Geometric motifs
  2. Free form designs
• What is the significance of the states of Kelantan and Terengganu in Malaysia?

  They are considered the cradle where batik first flourished
• What are the two main types of batik produced in Malaysia?

  1. Hand painted
  2. Block printed
• What is the term for the Cambodian musical ensemble that accompanies ceremonial music?

  Pinpeat
• What is the primary influence on Cambodian art music?

  Ancient forms and Hindu forms
• How does Cambodian court music compare to that of Java, Indonesia?

  It is roughly similar
• What instruments are typically found in a pinpeat ensemble?

  • Oneat (xylophones)
  • Samphor (double-headed drum)
  • Kongvong (gong circles)
  • Skorthom (two big drums)
  • Chhing (finger cymbals)
• What is the term for every kind of gamelan music in Java?


  Karawitan
• How many islands comprise Indonesia?

  Approximately 17,500 islands
• What are the two basic kinds of Indonesian music scales?

  Slendro (five equidistant tones) and Peloq (heptatonic scale with semi-tones)
• What is the gamelan orchestra known for?


  • It is the most popular form of music in Indonesia
  • Contains a variety of instruments (metallophones, xylophones, kendang, gongs, bamboo flutes, strings)
  • Vocal music is used as ornamentation
• What is the role of a pesindhen in gamelan music?

  She is a female soloist singer who sings with a gamelan
• What does gerong refer to in gamelan music?

  It refers to the unison male chorus that sings with the gamelan
• What are the characteristics of Javanese and Balinese gamelan music?

  • Javanese: Used for court music, solemn character, sudden changes in tempo and dynamics
  • Balinese: Bright and brilliant sounds, fast and rattling sounds of cymbals
• What is the significance of the instruments in gamelan music?

  They are considered sacred and possess supernatural powers
• What is the term for tempo in Indonesian music?

  Irama
• How can one distinguish between Javanese and Balinese gamelan music?

  By listening to their playing styles and characteristics
• What is the purpose of gamelan orchestras?


  To accompany dances, songs, and Wayang Kulit
• What is the traditional use of the gamelan orchestra in Java?

  To accompany court dances and ceremonies
• What is the relationship between gamelan music and respect for instruments?

  Musicians bow before playing to show respect
• How does the use of vocal music in gamelan compare to instrumental music?

  Vocal music is as important as the instrumental music
• What is the significance of the gamelan in Indonesian culture?

  It reflects the diverse musical styles developed through cultural interactions