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KUCHING, Oct. 1: Efforts to ensure that traditional knee musical instruments continue to be recognized and played by the younger generation must be implemented through an approach that combines the heritage of tradition with current innovation.
Bungan Creative's founder and activist Elizabeth Bungan Peter said the evolution of the knee should give space to continue using the instrument without losing its identity and origins.
"When we say evolution, it doesn't mean that we want to change our knees until we know what the knee is. We want to find space for the knees to continue to be used", he said.
He said that when he was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Egg Musical Instrument Expo here, recently.
According to him, the approach can be explored through aspects of Luton's manufacturing, rehearsal, play and teaching, including its integration into current music.
He said that the continuation of heritage is not solely an individual responsibility, but requires the involvement of egg makers, musicians, teachers, art activists and younger generations interested in learning about it.
Elizabeth said the Egg Foundation Workshop in 2025 faced a lack of musical instruments when only one knee was made available for use by 30 students.
"MSS is helping with the knee reconstruction effort. This time, in 2026, MSS once again helps in the evolution of the knee which is bringing the knee more practical to the stage with other musical instruments", he said.
He said that the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) also helped to organize the Lutong Music Instruments Expo by preparing musical instruments for exhibition to the public.
According to Elizabeth, exhibition visits in public spaces are important for bringing art and culture closer to the community, especially those who previously had never known knees.
He hopes the expo will be a starting point for more younger generations to get to know, learn and play the drums, thus ensuring that the legacy is passed on to future generations.
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