Flute maker Izani preserves heritage, one breath at a time

Free Malaysia Today

3 days ago

Serunai maker Mohd Izani Mohd Noor testing out a newly crafted Kelantanese serunai at his workshop in Kg Pulau Hilir, Kubang Kerian. (Bernama pic)
KOTA BHARU : For Mohd Izani Mohd Noor, the serunai (traditional flute) is not merely a musical instrument – it's the voice of heritage and breath of culture that must be preserved.
Despite the intricate and time-consuming process of crafting the Kelantanese serunai, he remains steadfast. Each piece of wood carved, and every hole drilled, is done with patience and purpose, driven by the goal of ensuring the continuity of the serunai as a living art form.
'My interest started in school: I would often visit 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,' Izani told Bernama, recalling his early years in Kampung Pulau Hilir, Kubang Kerian here.
In 2013, he began crafting serunai as a pastime. What started as a hobby has now evolved into a specialised craft, with the 41-year-old now making the flute for customers across Malaysia.
The 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 underneath. 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,' Izani explained.
He said crafting the pipit requires great precision, as even a slight imperfection can affect the sound quality. The selection of daun tar is also crucial, with only smooth, high-quality leaves used.
It takes him an average of three days to craft one serunai, which sells for between RM280 and RM700, depending on the type of wood and intricacy of the carvings. (Bernama pic)
'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 noted.
Izani produces two types of serunai – the longer serunai ibu (48-53cm), and the serunai anak (33-38cm). Both feature seven finger holes and one hole beneath.
'The serunai ibu produces a coarser sound, and is 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 mak yong'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.
'This is my way of preserving our heritage. As long as people still want to hear the sound of the serunai, I will keep making them,' Izani concluded.