On 23 March 2016 the Research Center for Material Culture and KITLV hosted the lecture and workshop ‘Uncovering the secrets of sound and rhythm in the context of the ethnic Moluccan music of Indonesia’ by dr. Christian Tamaela, ethnomusicologist and theologist (Universitas Kristen Indonesia Maluku).
In what ways does music offer opportunities to promote conflict resolution and establish harmony? This lecture will address peace drumming in the context of the pela and gandong traditions in Maluku and Indonesia. This musical practice is particularly relevant, effective, and constructive in creating harmony between religious communities in Maluku and Indonesia, and in opening up strategies of peace for other global and diasporic communities.
Dr. Tamaela is renowned for his expertise on traditional dance, performance and music of the Moluccas. His work explores the dynamics between traditional music, the history of Christianisation and liturgical renewal in the Moluccas. For more information on dr. Tamaela’s research, please refer to this article by dr. Fridus Steijlen.