Slento

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum Art's renowned Crosby Brown Collection of Musical Instruments the *Slento* is a captivating Javanese idiophone from late 19th century, crafted by Henry Hannah. Classified as a struck-bar metal instrument yet primarily constructed from wood, it measures an impressive H. 26 7/16 × D. 12 × L. 38 in. (67.2 × 30.5 × 96.5 cm). This piece exemplifies fusion of functionality and artistry in Javan musical culture, where instruments like this—likely part of a gamelan ensemble—produce resonant tones when metal bars are struck with mallets, providing foundational melodie...