What is touted as ‘the world’s largest Sape’ is now the new landmark of at the Bakun Resettlement Scheme in Sungai Asap, Belaga in Kapit.
According to an article from Borneo Post, the metal Sape’ is 40 feet (over 12 meters), and it weighs three tonnes.
The Borneo Post article elaborates that the new landmark is made from discarded metal pieces which include old motorcycle parts.
It is made by Kasat Arca, a family owned business which creates metal art sculptures from recycled materials.
Kasat Arca’s founder Mohamad Kasat Bujang Narawi told Borneo Post that the world’s largest Sape’ took more than a year to finish with work starting in July 2023.
The idea for the piece came though an informal discussion with Murum assemblyman, YB Kennedy Chukpai Ugon during the National Craft Day 2023 in Kuala Lumpur.
TVS reports that the massive Sape’ cost RM150,000 to build, and it was transported by lorry trailer from Sadong Jaya to Sungai Asap.
The Sape’ is expected to be included in the Elite World Records, and also the Malaysia Book of Records.
About the Sape
The Sape’ or sometimes called Sapeh, and also spelled sape, sapek, sapeik, sapeq, sampeh, sampeʼ, sampek, or sampeq, is a traditional string instrument with Borneo-origin.
It is usually a wooden-base instrument with strings attached, and works in a manner similar to the guitar.
The music produced by the sape’ is melodious gentle tone, and the instrument has been incorporated heavily into major Borneo based music events like the Rainforest World Music Festival in Kuching.
