Sasando — an instrument with many tales

Not as well-known as the angklung or the gamelan, the sasando is still a treasured piece of Rote culture. Native to Rote Island, Indonesia, the sasando (or sasandu, which translates to ‘vibrate’) is a traditional harp-like string instrument that is made of bamboo, wood, and dried lontar.

What truly stands out about the instrument, however, is its appearance.

The main frame of the sasando is a bamboo tube around which strings are stretched. The tube is then placed in a hammock-shaped container of woven palm leaves called haik. This container is what serves as the resonator for this instrument.

While the appearance of the sasando is unique and distinctive, its origin is rather muddled. There are many tales and folklore about how this instrument came to be.

One particular story1 follows a young man named Sanguanna, who was shipwrecked on an island called Ndana, and was brought to the palace to meet the King.

During his stay, Sanguanna fell in love with the princess of Ndana. When he asked for her hand in marriage, the princess requested for Sanguanna to create an instrument that she had never seen before.

One night, Sanguanna dreamed of playing a beautiful tune with a unique instrument. Inspired by the dream, he created the instrument out of bamboo and lontar leaves, and named it sasandu.

In another story2, the instrument was created by two shepherds, who accidentally discovered that plucking a string of yarn in a haik created a sound. They then discovered ways to produce sounds of different pitch through trial-and-error.

Even though these two origin stories are very different, they both share a common theme: the inventor possessed great creativity and resourcefulness in order to create the sasando.

Similarly, with a bit of resourcefulness, you can find the right mix of investments to meet all your investment needs. Learn more about the creative mix of investment solutions that can strike a chord with you at www.eastspring.com.

How to invest in Eastspring's fund(s)

This document is produced by Eastspring Investments (Singapore) Limited and issued in:

Singapore by Eastspring Investments (Singapore) Limited (UEN: 199407631H)

Australia (for wholesale clients only) by Eastspring Investments (Singapore) Limited (UEN: 199407631H), which is incorporated in Singapore, is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence and is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under Singapore laws which differ from Australian laws

Hong Kong by Eastspring Investments (Hong Kong) Limited and has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong.

Indonesia by PT Eastspring Investments Indonesia, an investment manager that is licensed, registered and supervised by the Indonesia Financial Services Authority (OJK).

Malaysia by Eastspring Investments Berhad (200001028634/ 531241-U) and Eastspring Al-Wara’ Investments Berhad (200901017585 / 860682-K).

Thailand by Eastspring Asset Management (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

United States of America (for institutional clients only) by Eastspring Investments (Singapore) Limited (UEN: 199407631H), which is incorporated in Singapore and is registered with the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission as a registered investment adviser.

European Economic Area (for professional clients only) and Switzerland (for qualified investors only) by Eastspring Investments (Luxembourg) S.A., 26, Boulevard Royal, 2449 Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, registered with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés (Luxembourg), Register No B 173737.

United Kingdom (for professional clients only) by Eastspring Investments (Luxembourg) S.A. - UK Branch, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6AF.

Chile (for institutional clients only) by Eastspring Investments (Singapore) Limited (UEN: 199407631H), which is incorporated in Singapore and is licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under Singapore laws which differ from Chilean laws.

The afore-mentioned entities are hereinafter collectively referred to as Eastspring Investments.

The views and opinions contained herein are those of the author, and may not necessarily represent views expressed or reflected in other Eastspring Investments’ communications. This document is solely for information purposes and does not have any regard to the specific investment objective, financial situation and/or particular needs of any specific persons who may receive this document. This document is not intended as an offer, a solicitation of offer or a recommendation, to deal in shares of securities or any financial instruments. It may not be published, circulated, reproduced or distributed without the prior written consent of Eastspring Investments. Reliance upon information in this document is at the sole discretion of the reader. Please carefully study the related information and/or consult your own professional adviser before investing.

Investment involves risks. Past performance of and the predictions, projections, or forecasts on the economy, securities markets or the economic trends of the markets are not necessarily indicative of the future or likely performance of Eastspring Investments or any of the funds managed by Eastspring Investments.

Information herein is believed to be reliable at time of publication. Data from third party sources may have been used in the preparation of this material and Eastspring Investments has not independently verified, validated or audited such data. Where lawfully permitted, Eastspring Investments does not warrant its completeness or accuracy and is not responsible for error of facts or opinion nor shall be liable for damages arising out of any person’s reliance upon this information. Any opinion or estimate contained in this document may subject to change without notice.

Eastspring Investments companies (excluding joint venture companies) are ultimately wholly owned/indirect subsidiaries of Prudential plc of the United Kingdom. Eastspring Investments companies (including joint venture companies) and Prudential plc are not affiliated in any manner with Prudential Financial, Inc., a company whose principal place of business is in the United States of America or with the Prudential Assurance Company Limited, a subsidiary of M&G plc (a company incorporated in the United Kingdom).