sompoton (Musical Instrument)

A sompoton is a mouth organ that consists of eight bamboo pipes inserted into a dried gourd, which serves as the wind chamber, sealed with bees' wax.

Acquired by the donor in 1976-1978, when he lived and worked in Sabah, on the island of Borneo, as a volunteer with CUSO International.

Mouth organ (sompoton) made of bamboo pipes inserted into a dried gourd, sealed together with bees wax. Pipes are bundled together, with plant fibre ties, in two rows of four. Pipes in top row are all the same height, length of bottom pipes vary. Small holes along sides of pipes on outer edges. Gourd mouth piece has a circular body and long, thin neck that extends to the side.