"The sape is a beautiful art form of Sarawak. Crafting a sape provides me with freedom of expression." Photos: Hayree Hashim
Sarawakian sape luthier Hayree Hashim, 27, has been busy fulfilling orders for his handcrafted musical instrument since the start of the pandemic.
The award-winning sape maker says that sales have been up since the start of the pandemic and he reckons that it's because music enthusiasts have picked up the sape as a pastime during the months of staying home due to the movement control orders these past 18 months or so.
"Many Malaysians are learning new hobbies to battle boredom since Covid-19. Some have signed up for online courses, or cooking and others are learning a new instrument. There are online sape classes and during MCO, anyone could learn to play the instrument in the safety of their own homes.
Reviving an ancient instrument
"The sape is a beautiful art form of Sarawak. Crafting a sape provides me with freedom of expression." Photos: Hayree Hashim
Alena has helped to promote the sape to international audiences. Photo: Filepic
Hayree manipulates different curves to create 'kalong' - motifs that represent the Orang Ulu tribe, on his handcrafted sapes.
"My free-hand designs are abstract but inspired by the 'kalong' motif," says Hayree.
Hayree admits that one of the biggest challenges he faced was learning to use the tools needed to make his lutes.
Dines (left) and Hayree (right) are just regular guys who enjoy crafting the sape.
Hayree hopes that he is doing his part to help preserve the traditional Sarawak musical instrument.
Dines (right) thinks Hayree's patience and determination fuels his passion in making the sape.
Thorn among the roses: Hayree stands proudly alongside homegrown female sape players, Alena Murang (left), Elizabeth Bungan (second from right) and Munirih Jebeni.
