The chengila, or cennala, is an Indian
gong which helps the traditional singer or dancer keep time.
Context and Playing Technique
The chengila is a
percussion instrument that maintains a steady beat and provides musical background. The thick
bell metal
Bell metal or bell bronze is an alloy used for making bells and related instruments, such as cymbals. It is a form of bronze with a higher tin content, usually in approximately a 4:1 ratio of copper to tin (typically, 78% copper, 22% tin by mas ...
disc, which hangs by a strap looped around one wrist, is struck by a short wand held in the other hand. A ringing sound is produced when the chengila is struck when hanging freely; a flat tone is produced when it is struck while held against the forearm.
Cultural Importance
In
Kerala, a state in south-west India, the chengila is used in many different traditional art forms
including Chemmanakali,
Kathakali
Kathakali ( ml, കഥകളി) is a major form of classical Indian dance. It is a "story play" genre of art, but one distinguished by the elaborately colourful make-up and costumes of the traditional male actor-dancers. It is native to the M ...
, and
Krishnanattam.
References
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Indian musical instruments
Asian percussion instruments
Idiophones