The Function and Meaning of the Gandang Ahung in the Hindu-Kaharingan Religion and Ritual of the Tiwah amongst the Katingan Awa, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

This thesis examines the function and meaning of the gandang ahung gong ensemble in the Tiwah death ceremony amongst the Katingan Awa community in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. The original contribution of this research to the development of ethnomusicology relates to the connections made between musical sound, sacred language and ritual power. By implementing an ethnomusicological and ethnographical approach, this research project concentrates on the music and musical thought of gandang ahung and its companion vocal music sasana kayau. This research is the first ethnomusicological study of the Katingan regency.