Musical InstrumentsChordophone-Bowed20th century
Gambus is a chordophone-bowed Kuching of Malaysian origin created in 20th century using hardwood, metal, skin measuring L: 81 cm (31-7/8 in.); W: 13 cm (5-1/8 in.) — now part of the Musical Instruments collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About This Artwork
| Medium | Hardwood, metal, skin |
| Dimensions | L: 81 cm (31-7/8 in.); W: 13 cm (5-1/8 in.) |
| Classification | Chordophone-Bowed |
| Department | Musical Instruments |
| Credit Line | Gift of Dr. Zoltan Ovary, 1983 |
| Date | 20th century |
Historical Context
Culture & Period
This work belongs to the Malaysian culture. The estimated date range is 1901 – 2000.
Geography
Origin: Kuching, Sarawak.
Frequently Asked Questions
What department houses Gambus?
Gambus is housed in the Musical Instruments department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
When was Gambus created?
Gambus dates to 20th century.
What material is Gambus made from?
Gambus is crafted from hardwood, metal, skin.
Where does Gambus originate?
Gambus originates from Sarawak (Malaysian culture).
Is Gambus in the public domain?
Gambus is not in the public domain; rights and reproduction restrictions may apply.
Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026