Orang Kalur - hereditary musicians of the Perak court

For generations, they are only ones allowed to play or even touch the instruments. Their music not only installs and legitimizes a Sultan, but also brings honour and prestige to his kingship. They are the orang kalur, hereditary musicians of the Perak royal orchestra - the nobat, an ensemble viewed as a symbol of a Sultan's power and sovereignty. Also known as orang muntah lembu (people of the bull's vomit), this ancient Malay family has been an indispensible part of the royal adat istiadat (cutoms and ceremonies)throughout the ages. To the orang kalur, musical knowledge comes with a huge responsibility in upholding not only the honour of their master but also the trust bestowed upon their family. This paper looks into the mystery surrounding the orang kalur, their origins and roles, and how musical knowledge is kept, passed down within a small family circle.