Flat bronze or brass gong of the Kalingga, Ibaloi, Karao, Tinggian and Bontoc peoples of the northern Philippines. Among the Ifugao they are called gangha, which refers to both the individual gong and an ensemble of three gongs, and among the Isneg, hansa. Gangsa have a diameter of approximately 30 cm and their perpendicular rims are about 5 cm high. They produce diffused sounds with or without a focussed pitch. The ways in which they are played increase their timbral variety; they may be played with the hands (slapping, tapping or sliding) and with a beater (hitting the upper or under side of the gong). Various resonating effects are achieved by suspending gongs freely from the left hand, swinging them in the air, resting them partly or fully on the ground, or laying them on the lap (see Philippines, fig.2; damping effects are produced with the wrist or forearm, or with pressure from the beater.
Gangsa are played in a variety of ceremonies: gong music is necessary for dancing, for honouring people of the community, for celebrations and for providing the proper ambience for ritual proceedings. Gongs are considered to be objects of great value and status: during ceremonies, to play the gangsa is an honour, for only prominent members of the community are invited to start the performance. Gangsa music itself is particularly popular among the Kalingga, and on occasions when gangsa playing is not permitted, its music is often played on other instruments.
See also Philippines, §II, 1(i)(b).
JOSÉ MACEDA