KELANTANESE SERUNAI: THREE DAYS TO CARVE THE SOUND, A LIFETIME TO PRESERVE THE TRADITION

KOTA BHARU, May 18 (Bernama) -- For Mohd Izani Mohd Noor, 41, a dedicated flute maker from Kelantan, the serunai (traditional flute) is not merely a musical instrument, but also the voice of heritage and a breath of culture that must be preserved before it fades.

Despite the intricate and time-consuming process of crafting the Kelantanese serunai, which can take up to three days, his commitment remains steadfast.

Each piece of wood carved and every hole drilled is done with patience and purpose, driven by a single goal of ensuring the continuity of serunai making as a living art form.

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“My interest started in school. I often visited my mentor, the late Tok Wan Nasir, to learn how to play the serunai. That’s when I began to understand the process of making one,” Mohd Izani said, recalling his early years in Kampung Pulau Hilir, Kubang Kerian.

In 2013, he began crafting his serunai, initially as a pastime. What started as a hobby has now evolved into a specialised craft, with Mohd Izani now creating serunai for customers across Malaysia.

He explained that the crafting process begins with selecting the right wood, such as merbau, sira tanduk, rengas or leban, depending on customer preferences. The wood is then cut to size, lathed and smoothed.

Seven holes are drilled into the upper side, with one more hole drilled beneath. Each contributes to the instrument's distinctive tones.

“The lower section is made from softer wood to produce a mellow, melodious sound. The upper part holds the pipit (mouthpiece), made of brass and fitted with daun tar (palm-like leaves) for blowing,” Mohd Izani explained.

He said that crafting the pipit requires great precision, as even a slight imperfection can affect the sound quality. The selection of daun tar is also crucial, as only smooth, high-quality leaves are used.

“These leaves are boiled with coconut milk and pulp for about an hour, then dried for a day. This process makes the leaves slightly oily, preventing saliva from sticking to the pipit and ensuring its durability for up to three months,” he added.

Mohd Izani produces two types of serunai namely the longer serunai ibu (19–21 inches) and the serunai anak (13–15 inches). Both feature seven finger holes and one hole at the bottom, producing different tones depending on the player’s technique.

“The serunai ibu produces a coarser sound, often used in performances such as Silat, Wayang Kulit and Main Puteri. Traditional musical pieces like Tabuh, Hulubalang and Serama Berjalan are commonly played with it,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the serunai anak offers a sharper, more delicate tone suited to Makyong's soulful performances. This shorter serunai is typically used for songs like Berkabar Belas, Pakyong Muda and Sedayung Makyong.

Each serunai takes around three days to complete, including the tuning process. Prices range from RM280 to RM700, depending on the type of wood and complexity of the carvings.

“As long as people still want to hear the sound of the serunai, I will keep making them. This is my way of preserving our heritage, one breath at a time,” he said, resolute in his commitment to this cultural craft.

-- BERNAMA